Cllr Stephen Stokes
Thanks for stopping by my page. Since being elected in June 2009, I have had the honour of serving the people of Greystones. Greystones is undergoing many exciting changes and challenges. If you have any ideas or issues I can help you with please get in touch.
Some of my top priorities include:
- Actively assist local organisations to further community spirit.
- Seek transport upgrades including Dart / Bus, roads & footpaths.
- Improve tourism & tourist services.
I serve on the following Greystones Town Council sub-committees:
- Tourism & Twinning (Chairperson)
- Community Affairs
- Joint Police Committee
- Youth, Sport, & Culture
Other groups I serve with:
- Leinster Schools Chess Association (Chairperson)
- Kindlestown Woods Green Communities (Vice-Chairperson)
- Bray-Greystones Chess Club (Youth Officer)
Where I stand on the issues:
Buses - I will continue to lobby for relevant improvements to bus services. In particular I believe the 84x route should be widened to include departure times such as: Greystones to Dublin, 9am and 10am, Dublin to Greystones, 4pm. I am pleased that the Labour Party propasal of an 84x stop at Xtra Vision has now been implemented by Dublin Bus.
Business Rates - In Dec 2009, I voted to reduce Greystones Town Council budget by about 7%. The only cuts made were to politicians expenses, while funding to community groups such as Tidy Towns were increased.
Charlesland Road - I have vigourously campaigned for the management company to step up to its responsibilities. In particular they need to switch on the lights at the Shoreline roundabout and empty the bins in a timely manner.
Educate Together - The announcement by Ruairi Quinn (Minister for Education) to recognise to recognise Educate Together as a 2nd level education provider is most welcome. I am calling on Wicklow VEC to withdraw its interest in the next Greystones secondary school as they already have over 50% of Wicklow schools. I believe the next Greystones secondary school should be awarded to Educate Together and will be supporting their efforts.
Footpaths - I am disappointed that John Gormley (former Green Minister) withdrew the footpath grant for Greystones.
Harbour / Marina - I have consistently called for the Harbour status to be reported better through public consultation. I largely welcome the plans of the new Harbour group GUBOH to get the hoarding down as quickly as possible. A working harbour is deserved for the people of Greystones.
Junkets - I will not accept these. The gravy train for politicians must end. Should I travel to an official event I will pay my own way.
Kindlestown Woods / Blackwalk - I commend the Kindlestown Wood Green Communities Group on their clean up efforts and tree planting. I am thankful to the Gardaí for making the area a "hotzone."
Parking - Free parking is now available all day Sat outside Greystones Town Council. I commend Wicklow County Council for this.
Rail - I welcome Darts now available Mon - Fri, every 30 minutes.
Ramps - Along with my colleague Tom Fortune, I welcome the new zebra crossings on Church Road and the Kindlestown Lower Road. The Labour Party will continue to keep road safety as a top priority.
Rugby Club Land - Having played for Greystones at youth level I know how important the disputed piece of land is for the club. I believe the County Council should offer it to Greystones RFC for €1. It is important to keep as much land for sport as possible.
Student Grants - Information from www.studentfinance.ie
Tourism & Twinning - I am honoured to serve as Chairperson of this sub committee. So far we have been able to deliver a tourism stand in Greystones Railway station, to distribute the free maps. A new 2011 map is now available. Please let me know if you would like some.
Cllr 
