Scourge of urban noise

TIME was when noise nuisance in Ireland was generally created by that dreaded dog which never stopped barking in an area, or the busy, inconsiderate neighbour who insisted on working machinery late at night, writes Donal Hickey

Now, noise pollution from myriad sources has become a chronic problem. Even if you live in the heart of the countryside, it’s hard to get away from it.

Birdsong and the cries and shrieks of other animals are often drowned out by an assortment of traffic and a changed way of life.