Minister hears of ‘humming’ scourge

The Minister for the Environment has been briefed in the Dáil on the plight of residents in a rural Kerry parish who say their lives have been turned upside down by a constant humming noise for which no cause can be found.

Minister Phil Hogan advised the residents to voice their concerns to Kerry County Council’s environment office and an investigation might be sanctioned.

Frustrated locals in Glencuttane, Beaufort, have pleaded for help to track down the source of the pulsating, low-frequency noise that cannot be traced despite repeated efforts.

Some have complained that they can hear it at all times of the day and night and their sleep has been disturbed by the mystery hum.

Locals have stressed that there are no mobile phone masts, windmills or generators in the area and the ESB has assured them that the problem is not due to any high-tension wires.

Kerry County Council has also ruled out any connection between the noise and a water treatment plant in Glencuttane, which is located 15km from Killarney, just off the main Ring of Kerry road.