Residents ‘not buzzing’ about loud night-time noise

A LOUD humming noise is being heard at night by residents throughout the Omagh area, with some claiming that the mysterious sound is stopping them from getting to sleep.

The source of the curious sound is yet to be established, but speculation regarding its origins include local factories, recently-installed underground gasworks, masts, windmills, and even freight lorries that park overnight in the town.

However, in order to find a concrete answer to the question of what is causing this nocturnal nuisance, Alliance town councillor, Stephen Donnelly, has said he will be raising the issue with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council ahead of their next monthly meeting.

“I have received quite a few reports about this humming noise, most of them coming from residents of the Tamlaght Road, but also the Hospital Road and Coolnagard as well,” he said.

“There is no firm conclusion around what is generating the sound, but I believe it is a matter for Environmental Health to investigate.”

In addition to the areas named by Cllr Donnelly, the Tyrone Herald have received reports of the noise being heard on the Gortin Road, Dromore Road, Brookmount Road, Derry Road, Cookstown Road and Kevlin Road.

One particularly distressed and frustrated Kevlin Road resident has said he has had many sleepless nights because of the incessant sound.

“I have been hearing the noise for months, and I have lost a fair few nights of sleep because of it.

“If you have the windows open, you have no chance.”

Responding to questions from this newspaper about the much-discussed issue, a spokesperson for Fermanagh and Omagh District Council said that they are ‘unable’ to comment on the noise.

“The council has not received any complaints in relation to a humming noise in the Omagh area, and is therefore unable to comment on what the potential noise may be.”

But multiple Omagh people have told the Tyrone Herald that they are ‘losing patience’ and that they expect the ‘very annoying noise’ to be investigated and, if possible, dealt with.