Mum goes to war over turbine plan

Mum goes to war over turbine plan

6 May 2015

A BALLYGOWAN woman fears her son’s health will be affected if plans for a new wind turbine on a hill near their Carrickmannon Road home is approved.

Planning officials are currently considering an application for a 40 metre high turbine and Mrs Patricia Murray is hoping Ards and North Down Council will veto the proposal.

Her 19 year-old son Denis already suffers from a rare chromosome disorder, meaning he is particularly sensitive to noise, and his mother fears if the turbine is approved he will become “a prisoner in his own home.”

Mrs Murray said the location of the proposed wind turbine is almost 245 metres from her home. She said if she lived on her own she would have no objection to the proposal, but is greatly concerned about the impact the turbine would have on the youngest of her four children.

“Denis suffers from a life-long incurable disorder and cannot adapt to change easily. His world is his home and I am very concerned about the impact the proposed wind turbine would have on his health,” his mother continued.

Mrs Murray has contacted a number of councillors for support in objecting to the planning application. She first became aware of the proposal when a representative from the new council’s environmental health department called at her home to discuss the matter.

“My son’s needs come first and that is why I am objecting to this particular planning application. I hope it will not be allowed to proceed,” she continued.

Denis, who was a bronze medalist in last year’s All-Ireland Special Olympics, is one of just 51 people in the world who suffer from Isaac Chromosome 18P disorder. He has been left with no speech and an impaired ability to respond to danger and seizures and is entirely dependent upon his family for his care.

His mother fears the noise of the turbine and as well as the light flicker associated with such structures will have a detrimental impact on her son’s life. Mrs. Murray confirmed she has written to planners outlining her concerns and hopes they will be taken on board.

“I am only trying to protect my son. I am doing what any mother would do for her child. One of my many fears is that the humming associated with wind turbines will leave Denis tormented during normally quiet times such as the night,” said Mrs Murray.

She added: “The proposed turbine is 40 metres high with 22 metre blades and I hope planning permission will not be granted. I am hoping councillors will be able to use their influence to ensure the turbine is not erected. It could have a disastrous impact on my son’s life.”