Council keeping Omagh hum ‘under review’ after optimistic reports

THERE are signs that the saga of Omagh’s nighttime hum could be reaching its conclusion.

Earlier this week, WeAreTyrone spoke with a contact whose life has been adversely affected by the misery-making murmur for a number of months.

This local lady, who has been voluntarily documenting the behaviour of the Omagh Hum for the council, says she has been told that the noise might ‘have finally been sorted’.

The woman, who has asked not to be named, has been speaking with the UH periodically over the last few months, ever since the noise wormed its way into her house and began disrupting her sleep.

“I had been ringing away at the council, which resulted in me being put in contact with a person I understand is quite high up in environmental health.”

After months of sporadic correspondence, our contact received a phonecall. “They told me that while out walking their dog, they had finally heard the hum themselves, and that the council were continuing to work on it.”

A few more weeks passed before another call arrived.

“Then, out of the blue, last week I got another call and was told that the source had been located, the council had contacted them using the ‘softly softly’ approach, and that she hoped this was enough to get the whole thing sorted.”

There seems to be a consensus online and among the communities worst impacted by the hum that it has indeed subsided over the last month.

“They asked if I noticed that the sound had dropped of lately, and I said it had.

“To be honest, I am not that confident that it will not be back, but, for the sake of my sleep and sanity, I certainly hope that’s the end of it.”

When contacted by the WeAreTyrone, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council said, “The ‘humming’ noise in Omagh remains a live investigation which may result in formal action hence the council cannot release any specific information on the ongoing work, including suspected sources, noise levels and timeline for completion, as this may prejudice the case.

“The council is aware that the noise may have reduced recently and are keeping the current situation under review.

“The council will continue to liaise with complainants and we thank residents for their patience while the investigation is ongoing.

“The council has given an undertaking to provide an update once the investigation is complete.”