Noise audit requested on new 'whistling' Bettystown Library as highlighted by TV's Timmy Mallet during east coast visit

A MYSTERIOUS “whistling” noise at the East Meath Civic Centre in Bettystown has prompted a call for a full noise audit by Sinn Féin Cllr Maria White.

The issue, which locals describe as everything from “irritating” to “eerie” and “scary,” has even caught worldwide attention after TV icon Timmy Mallet visited the seaside town during the summer. Mallet, who was cycling the coastline of Ireland, stopped off in Bettystown and shared a video with his followers highlighting the “whistling library,” triumphantly declaring that “Co Meath has a library that sings,” sparking a few laughs across social media. But for many residents, the noise is far from amusing.

At this month’s meeting of the Laytown-Bettystown Municipal District, Cllr White tabled a motion calling for a comprehensive noise audit of the Civic Centre, following ongoing complaints about the persistent whistling sound.

Her motion requested that Meath County Council carry out an investigation to “identify the source and nature of the whistling sound,” measure sound levels throughout the day and night, and assess the potential impact on both local residents and nearby marine life.

“Locals are frustrated by this recurring whistling sound,” Cllr White told the meeting. “The building has become known as the whistling library and it's even going beyond the community. Timmy Mallet did a piece visiting the library and drew awareness to this whistling sound. This is not what Bettystown should become known for, and it is certainly not what the Civic Centre should become known for.”

She said residents have described the sound as “irritating, annoying, eerie and scary,” with some parents reporting that children are frightened by it.

Independent Cllr Carol Lennon said the noise was difficult to tolerate, even from her nearby office.

“It gets on your absolute wick,” she said. “My office is about 100 metres away from the railings and the noise is really irritating.”

However, Fine Gael Cllr Sharon Tolan maintained that the source of the sound is already known.

“It’s a screaming high-pitched noise. It’s not the library itself, it’s the railings outside, and it’s caused by the easterly wind,” she said. “If we start evaluating potential effects on seals and marine life, we could be talking hundreds of thousands of euros to the taxpayer. We know what the problem is the railings need to be sorted. It’s still under the snagging period so it won’t cost the taxpayer anything to get it adjusted.”

A Meath County Council official reassured members that there was no concern to marine life, stating:

“The East Meath Civic Centre is still within its defects period. The Project Engineer will investigate the noise issue and revert to the Members in due course.”