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66
NOISE ABATEMENT ACT, 1960
One hundred and six complaints concerning alleged noise nuisances were received
throughout the year. A large proportion of the complaints related to noise caused by building
operations on sites, pneumatic drills, compressors and other types of industrial machinery.
All the complaints were thoroughly investigated and, in the majority of cases,
an approach to the offending contractors or firms resulted in the fullest co-operation and
assistance being given to implement suitable noise reducing methods.
In all cases remedies were secured without recourse to legal action, and in the
few cases where complainants were not satisfied with the action taken by the officers of the
Health Department their rights under private action were explained to them.
Section 2 of the Noise Abatement Act, 1960, deals with the use of loudspeakers
on the highway. It prohibits their use for any purpose between 9.00 p.m. and 8.00 a.m.,
except in the special circumstances defined in sub-section 2 of the section, and at any other
time for advertising any trade, business or entertainment, with the exception that between
noon and 7.00 p.m. a loudspeaker fixed to a vehicle used for the sale of perishable foodstuffs
may be operated to announce that the commodities are on sale; the loudspeaker is,
however, not to be so operated as to give reasonable cause for annoyance to persons in the
vicinity.
Two successful prosecutions were undertaken during the year concerning ice
cream vendors, and the offenders were fined £2. 0. 0. respectively, and £2. 0. 0. costs
were awarded to the Council in each case.
SLUM CLEARANCE