A number of residents in parts of North Belfast say they have been plagued by a "loud humming noise" that goes on for 24 hours a day.
The noise has been noticed by residents in the New Lodge, Carrick Hill, North Queen Street, and Lancaster Street areas, and has been likened to sounding like a "loud generator." Residents claim the disturbance has been going on for the past month - with some even saying they have heard the noise since before Christmas.
Speaking to Belfast Live about the issue, local man Archie Coogan said it's impacting people's day-to-day lives, with many struggling to sleep due to the disturbance. He said: "The noise is a loud humming noise like a big generator which goes 24 hours a day.
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"It's putting people's heads away in the New Lodge, Carrick Hill, North Queen Street and Lancaster Street areas - everyone is talking about it and people can't sleep, it's driving everyone mad. Even with your windows closed the noise still comes through your home, it's shocking."
Trying to figure out what is causing the noise, Archie said it seems to be loudest around the Donegall Street area, between Ulster University and St Patrick's Church.
He said: "It seems very loud in the street at the back of St Patrick's Church on Donegall Street at the back of the university campus. There are also three massive cranes facing the church which maybe run on big generators, but this really needs addressed to stop the noise."
A spokesperson for Belfast City Council confirmed one complaint was received regarding the noise on Sunday, February 23, with council officials in the process of following this up.
A phenomenon known as 'the hum' or 'the world hum' has been reported worldwide with theories ranging from farm machinery and wind farms to flying saucers. A global hum map and databse can be found at https://www.thehum.info/
There have been a number of reports around Belfast over the years on the database. In recent years, humming noises in Omagh and Claudy have been investigated, with the BBC last year even airing a film about 'The Omagh Hum.'
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