Omagh buzzing: Source of sound plaguing Tyrone town residents 'identified' after 'very difficult' investigation

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has commissioned an expert noise consultant after residents faced considerable distress and with noise apparently increasing at night, many were unable to sleep.

In April, John Boyle, director of community and wellbeing, told councilors an investigation had been launched following complaints; however: “Unless there is a formal and public legal proceeding, we would not name the source of this noise.

“We will work with businesses or organizations to ensure the noise is reduced and disappears completely.”

At the recent regeneration and community committee meeting, Mr Boyle explained how the first complaint was received in August 2023, followed by 10 more during the investigation.

He said: “It was complex as the noise could be produced from multiple sources, including within the same business.

“We brought in a specialist expert consultant and used a humming recording.

“A detailed examination was carried out on the recorded noise to identify the acoustic tones and then compare it within the Omagh area.

“We were able to target a specific point and undertook a targeted screening exercise with several industrial companies using equipment 24 hours a day.”

Mr Boyle stressed that the noise “was not audible every night and was related to atmospheric conditions, making the investigation very difficult”.

He continued: “However, a particular premises became the focal point and environmental health officers engaged with management.

“While nothing has absolutely been concluded, the noise has died down in some sense, but we will keep the complaint open and under review over the coming months.

“I think it’s more of a weather issue in the fall.”

Committee chairman Cllr Stephen Donnelly, Alliance, told councillors: “I proposed this inquiry in November when I didn't realize what a Pandora's box I was opening.

“While there has been quite a bit of sensationalism about this, the complaints and concerns in Omagh are very real, and it is the duty of this Council to look into noise pollution.

“I respect the work accomplished by the team.”

Sinn Féin councilor Barry McElduff said: “This was a real noise problem for many, many families.

“If levity is never far away, it is sometimes misplaced, because it is a serious subject.

“One question – to which I presume the answer is 'no' as the investigation is still ongoing – are there any ongoing legal proceedings, such as enforcement action against the alleged source, who is not not named?

“It has been suggested that this was an industry using a fan or ventilation type equipment.

“From day one, residents were suspicious and shared their beliefs (about the source of the noise) with me and others. A visit was carried out and specialist equipment used.

He further asked, “Did the alleged source take any corrective action after the visit and monitoring that resulted in the noise stopping, such as not operating a particular piece of equipment late at night?” »

Mr Boyle responded: “In terms of legal action, there would not be enough evidence so far to state inconclusively a certain case.

“We do not know whether the alleged source took action or not. But we will continue to monitor this closely. »

Concluding the discussion, Councilor McElduff said: “I hope that at least the chapter in the 'Omagh Hum' saga is over.