Noise

Air and Environmental Quality Unit is responsible for the issue of legislation and policy on noise control. Noise complaints and the enforcement of noise control legislation is a matter for environmental health departments of district councils.

Consultation on the Draft Northern Ireland ENvironmental Noise Directive Action Plan and Competent Authority Noise Action Plan Guidance - Summary Responses. 1st May 2009

Background

The EU Directive 2002/49/EC relating to assessment and management of environmental noise, commonly referred to as the Environmental Noise Directive (END), was published in July 2002.  The aim of the END is to avoid, prevent or reduce on a prioritised basis the harmful effects, including annoyance, due to exposure to environmental noise.  It focuses on the impact of such noise on individuals, complementing existing EU legislation, which sets standards for noise emissions from specific sources.

The three main actions that the END requires of Member States are to:

• determine the noise exposure of the population through noise mapping;
• make information on environmental noise and its effects available to the public;
• establish Action Plans based on the mapping results.

Detail

The purpose of an Action Plan is to describe how designated Competent Authorities under the Environmental Noise Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006, propose to deliver their obligations under the Environmental Noise Directive.

The purpose of the Competent Authority Noise Action Plan guidance is to provide assistance in setting out the proposed mechanisms and arrangements for the development of Action Plans during the action planning process.

The consultation was undertaken during the period 1st December 2008 – 26th January 2009 and specifically requested views on the Northern Ireland Competent Authority Environmental Noise Action Plans and the Draft Action Plan Guidance.  

A synopsis of the comments received along with the Departments responses can be viewed below.

Summary of Responses (60KB)

Consultation on the Draft Northern Ireland Environmental Noise Directive Action Plan

If you are affected by noise the following information will let you know what you can do:

• What can you do if you are Bothered by noise? (854KB)

If you want to know how you can create less noise and be a good neighbour check out the following:

• How to be a good neighbour

• How to be a considerate neighbour

Barking dogs are one of the most complained about noise sources in Northern Ireland.  If you are a dog owner and wish to find out to stop your pet annoying your neighbours consult the following information leaflet:

• Is your dog barking too much? (188KB)

Want to know more about noise complaints in Northern Ireland?

• Complaint Statistics for Northern Ireland