The findings are contained in the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ (DAERA) Noise Complaint Statistics 2024/25 report, published today.
A noise complaint refers to a formal request for the local council to investigate noise disturbances that cause annoyance to residents.
The annual report outlines the number and nature of complaints received by district councils between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, offering a picture of noise disruption across the region.
Overall, councils dealt with 9,716 complaints during the period — a 9% decrease on the previous year’s total of 10,684.
Belfast has recorded the highest rate of noise complaints in Northern Ireland
DAERA said nine of the 11 local authorities reported a reduction in complaints, suggesting a broad fall in noise-related issues across most council areas.
Belfast City Council recorded the highest rate, with 13.18 complaints per 1,000 residents.
The capital consistently registers the highest volumes, attributed to its population density, busy night-time economy, and concentration of domestic and commercial properties.
At the other end of the scale, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council reported the lowest rate, at 1.95 complaints per 1,000 people.
Domestic noise remained the largest single driver of complaints, accounting for nearly three-quarters (74.88%) of all cases submitted to councils.
Within that category, animal noise — predominantly barking dogs — was the most common source, making up 41% of all domestic complaints.
A further 33% related to loud music, televisions or parties, underscoring the pressures faced by councils when responding to neighbourhood and household disputes.
Belfast has recorded the highest rate of noise complaints across Northern Ireland (Stock image)
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Commercial and leisure premises were responsible for 11.54% of complaints, reflecting noise generated by pubs, clubs, restaurants and entertainment venues. Smaller proportions of cases related to noise in the street (4.26%), construction activity (3.61%), transport (2.92%) and industrial sources (2.78%).
Councils investigated 78% of all complaints received, though the report notes that many were found to be unsubstantiated.
Sixteen per cent were substantiated but resolved without the need for a formal notice, while 6% were still under investigation when the figures were submitted to the department.
Enforcement action also saw a small decline with councils serving 153 notices in 2024/25, down 6% from the 162 issued in 2023/24.
The number of prosecutions rose slightly, with four taken forward in 2024/25 compared to three the previous year.
The department said animal noise and loud music remain the most significant sources of domestic disturbance, echoing trends seen in previous years.