Greystones Cathaoirleach vows to tackle biodiversity, infrastructure and push for schools

Cllr Stokes, who grew up in Greystones and lives in Charlesland, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming elections.

“It is an honour to contest this election in the area that I grew up in. I have listened to the views of hundreds of local residents already, and I am excited for the campaign. Since joining Wicklow County Council in June 2022, I have worked on hundreds of pieces of casework. Additionally, I have delivered improvements in a range of areas including housing applications, Charlesland bottle bank, road safety initiatives and more. Should I be elected on June 7 I will lead with energy and enthusiasm.”

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Cllr Stokes has highlighted roads and public transport as key infrastructure areas, and with his experience in education believes that investment in schools is critical. He was on the founding committee of Gaelscoil na gCloch Liath and has experience of delivering school facilities.

“Infrastructure is not keeping pace locally,” he said. “Schools are a perfect example of this. My three-point plan for schools is to firstly build Greystones Community College without delay. Second, I would seek a school in Newtown, which would greatly benefit residents in Killadreenan and Newcastle also. Thirdly, I believe it is time to pursue an Irish speaking secondary school in Greystones.”

As a lifelong commuter, Cllr Stokes believes that decisive investment is needed for public transport.

“I know what it’s like to be parked in traffic on the N11, have my 184 bus not show up, or be severely delayed by a late Dart. I campaigned to stop Charlesland being skipped by Go Ahead.

“While it is not always perfect, we have seen a massive improvement in the 184 service. If we want to reduce car journeys, we need to stop beating motorists with a stick, because some people have to drive.

“Instead, we need to re-focus on giving people real alternatives. Let’s work together to extend the Luas into North Wicklow, get the Dart to Kilcoole and have more express buses to & from Dublin via Newcastle, Kilcoole, Charlesland, Greystones and Blacklion.”

On road infrastructure, Cllr Stokes said it needs to be revitalised as a matter of priority.

“Local residents deserve to be able to drive or commute safely on our roads. I want us to be ambitious with road resurfacing and road marking schemes. Over the past two years, I have reported dozens of trip hazards and potholes. I am grateful to the Council outdoor team, but they need more staff to do the work. I will campaign vigorously to ensure that the Greystones Municipal District gets is fair share of resources and staffing.”

In terms of amenities, Cllr Stokes has had success with a wide range of resources and facilities and proposed the first motion seeking a dog park for Greystones in 2012. This is now present in Charlesland, with Cllr Stokes serving as the gatekeeper on bank holidays.

Over the years, he has also been closely involved with outdoor chess tables, more benches in the Burnaby Park and big belly bins.

“Sometimes the small things make a big difference such as seating areas, especially when we want our area to be more age friendly. I have listened to local people who want to see the Cliff Walk re-opened and more facilities for our young people to enjoy, whether sporting or informal outdoor spaces. Furthermore, many clubs and societies are seeking premises.

“I fully support the campaign for an arts centre, and the Greystones Squash Initiative. I believe that a hotel is needed now, more than ever in Greystones. Let’s harness this potential.”

Cllr Stokes is passionate about the environment and said he will fight against the overdevelopment of biodiverse spaces. He worked closely with Wicklow County Council to secure a bottle bank for Charlesland. Furthermore, he successfully moved a district motion calling for a recycling centre for the Greystones Municipal District.

“More houses are needed nationally, but the local environment must be considered first. If we want to promote sustainable living, we need Wicklow County Council to lead by example. The Greystones Municipal District is still the only district without a recycling centre. Some districts have two recycling centres. I want the Greystones district to get its fair share of resources.”

Cllr Stokes was educated locally in St Kevin’s NS and St David’s. He graduated from UCD with a BA History & Politics, and MA American Studies. He is the son of local woman Bernadette Stokes who chaired the Campaign for Greystones Dog Park.

He served as the last Mayor of Greystones in 2013-14, before all Town Councils were abolished by Phil Hogan. He is currently a Director of the Greystones Family Resource Centre.

As a well-known local chess player, he hosts the Burnaby Park summer sessions and is a former Irish U19 Chess Champion and ACO World Amateur Champion. Cllr Stephen Stokes was appointed as a Peace Commissioner in 2023, and can sign a range of documents for free.

Cllr Stokes can be reached on: stephenstokes101@gmail.com.