Noise pollution in Northern Ireland is still a huge problem with little prospect of improving, according to a survey published on Wednesday.

Barking dogs continue to be the major source of complaints, closely followed by loud music.

The release of the survey by the National Society for Clean Air and Environmental Protection coincides with National Noise Action Day.

The National Noise Survey 2002 asked local authority noise specialists about trends in complaints in their areas.

Two councils had complaints about aircraft noise

"Noise complaints remain at a very high level compared with the early 1990s," said NSCA general secretary Richard Mills.

"We need action now to formulate solutions to a widespread public health problem.

"It is important that our government continues to promote positive proposals to address neighbourhood noise," said Mr Mills.

Man's best friend

Loud music is the major source of complaints in England and Scotland, but man's best friend is the biggest problem in Northern Ireland, says the survey.

Northern Ireland also reported a 57% increase in complaints about car alarms.

Two council areas in the province reported problems with aircraft noise while only one considered traffic noise to be of concern.

The survey says most complaints are the result of unrealistic expectations of neighbours who insist on their right to quiet while exercising the right to make noise.

It has called on the local authorities across the United Kingdom to find consolidated legislation aimed at giving more power to noise control officers to tackle complaints.