Barking dogs and blaring music are behind a substantial increase in complaints about noise in Northern Ireland.
A report from the Department of Environment revealed today there had been a 13 per cent increase in complaints over the last year.
Over half of all the 11,337 complaints made to local councils where in Belfast. Despite the mass of complaints there were just eight prosecutions and an additional 360 notices issued against offenders.
District councils have the main responsibility for investigating and dealing with most types of complaint about noise nuisance from the general public.
Northern Ireland has experienced a 35 per cent increase about noise in the last three years.
Environment Minister David Cairns said: "This clearly shows how noise pollution is a serious issue for many people.
"We must all remember that when we make too much noise it can cause severe distress to those affected by it."
The minister said most noise complaints were between neighbours. "These can be prevented by greater co-operation between neighbours and by people behaving in a considerate manner. When neighbours behave unreasonably and cause noise nuisance, action can be taken by local councils."
Some 42 per cent of complaints about domestic noise were against family pets, 41% against music, televisions and parties.
Just one per cent was about the racket from DIY and 3 per cent from house alarms going off. While Belfast had the greatest number of complaints, when adjustments for population size were made Coleraine Borough Council shot up the list.