Council sign up to Noise action week after 530 noise complaint calls

by Gráinne Connolly

Derry City and Strabane District Council is encouraging the public to act responsibly and to be more conscious about the effects of noise pollution.

The message comes as part of Noise Action Week that takes place during 21 and 26 May.

It aims to raise awareness around the problems and solutions associated with excessive noiseby promoting the message that prevention is better than cure.

Between the 1st of April 2017 to 31st of March 2018, 530 noise complaints were received in the council area. 

239 were related to animal noise, including dogs barking, and 77 related to party noise. 

Endorsing Noise Action Week, Mayor of DCSDC, Maolíosa McHugh said it was important the council supported such initiatives and did what it can to raise awareness and offer advice to the public. 

“It is very good news that Council are backing this important campaign to raise awareness of the public health impact of noise pollution and that we are working proactively to encourage the public to be mindful of their neighbours by being more conscious of the impact any noise they generate has on those around them.

"By reducing the number of calls we get we can also reduce the amount of money spent dealing with this problem as we estimate that investigating noise complaints can cost Council between £130 and £7000 per complaint. 

"While animal related complaints, in particular barking dogs, are the main noise complaints, party noise, bird scarers, loudspeakers, construction works and noise from entertainment premises also feature."