Turbine study revolves around negative impacts on community

Wind turbines are bad news for people living near them, for animals and for the environment, a young scientist at the RDS has said.

"My scientific proof is seen in my own community," says Megan Addie Douglas, a 12-year-old first-year student at Oaklands Community College, Co Offaly.

"I live in Rhode and 32 wind turbines are proposed for our area. People are worried sick and are being affected by headaches and stress," says Megan.

She assessed local sentiment with a survey of 100 people in the community. She also did interviews, went to public meetings and contacted Bord na Móna and firms involved in the turbine project.

She found 76 per cent of people were concerned about the development and 65 per cent of respondents were opposed to the turbines. She had less data on animals but did have figures for bird strikes and the toll on bird life elsewhere.

She argues turbines represent a “false economy” because of the cost of building them compared to their expected working life.