Latest news with #StephenStokes
Irish Independent
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Make your next move in Greystones as outdoor chess to open for all
Councillor Stephen Stokes said the sessions are free and offer a welcoming environment for players of all ages and abilities to enjoy the game of chess in the heart of the town. "Chess in the Burnaby Park has become a much loved annual tradition in Greystones,' he said. 'When myself and my mother, Bernadette, started the summer chess sessions in 2022, we did not expect that there would be so much demand for the game. Local chess has also been greatly boosted by the installation of additional chess tables by Wicklow County Council," he added. For newcomers to chess there will be beginner lessons from 10am to 10.30am. This will be the perfect opportunity to learn the basics of chess or for returning players to refresh their knowledge of the rules. All participants are welcome to come and go as they please for casual games until noon. Cllr Stokes also wanted to remind enthusiasts that Greystones railway station is less than a five-minute walk to the chess tables, in case visitors would like to travel from further away, including Bray or Wicklow town. "Chess is more than just a game, it brings people together, encourages strategic thinking, and makes great use of our public spaces. I am delighted to see it return this summer. I invite everyone to join in, whether you are a regular player or just curious to learn." Chess has undergone a boom in recent years. During Covid, chess moved online. Netflix also had a hit show, The Queen's Gambit which fuelled further interest. Cllr Stokes believes that chess is continuing to grow in popularity with it now being incorporated into the Esports World Cup. To assist chess players, boards and pieces will be provided on site throughout the summer sessions. However participants are encouraged to bring their own chair as seating is limited. The event is free and open to all, with no need to book in advance. The location is the southwest corner of the Burnaby Park, Greystones.
Irish Independent
11-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Irish Rail called out as ‘weekend rail closures become a disruptive feature of life' in Wicklow
Councillor Stephen Stokes acknowledged that there is a lot of important engineering work being carried out, but he believes that sweeping weekend disruptions need to be reviewed. 'There is growing fatigue in the community,' Cllr Stokes said. 'People have been patient, but they are increasingly wary. Weekend rail closures have become a disruptive feature of life." The Greystones councillor has questioned the timing of the July 12 closure, which falls squarely within the high summer period, traditionally busy with tourists, major concerts, sporting fixtures and family events. 'From speaking to local people, it is not common practice to carry out rail closures in July or August. We don't want this to become normal. This is especially important in the summer months, when north Wicklow should be thriving from tourism, not struggling with transport access. These are key months of the year." Cllr Stokes has also enquired about whether future work can be carried out at night, to limit daytime disruptions. 'I fully support the need for investment into rail infrastructure. However, I wonder if less disruptive strategies can be explored. If the works are essential during the daytime, the public deserve to know why they must happen. Irish Rail are working hard to provide a vital service to a growing population. The community wants to be partners for prosperity, which includes being kept informed." The impact on local business was also raised, and Cllr Stokes believes that when trains are not running, the knock-on effect to local businesses is immediate and severe. Cafés, restaurants, shops and event spaces lose out on footfall and Greystones is particularly vulnerable during rail closures due to the absence of direct bus services to Dublin, apart from limited weekday express routes. 'In recent years, businesses across north Wicklow have had to contend with the Covid-19 pandemic, and the closure of the Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk, another key tourism draw. As such, the Dart is a lifeline. In Greystones, when the rail service is down, it's not like there are seamless alternatives. There is no direct bus connection to Dublin. Many potential visitors simply choose not to come. Because nothing beats a direct service. 'People understand that work needs to happen, but they want to feel included and informed. If Irish Rail can clearly explain the nature and necessity of the work, it would go a long way towards improving public cooperation. Right now, it feels like these closures are just imposed, without much explanation.' Cllr Stokes said a long-term strategy is needed to protect the economic and social fabric of north Wicklow. 'Reliable transport is not just about getting from A to B – it's about protecting livelihoods, supporting local enterprise, and ensuring our towns continue to thrive. Moving forward we need to ensure that everyone is on board.'
Irish Independent
20-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Safe, sustainable and healthy – Wicklow community hails new Safe Routes to School scheme
The programme was first launched in 2021 to provide safer front-of-school environments and improved walking and cycling infrastructure around schools. By 2024, an additional 141 schools were rolled into the active programme nationally, with eight Wicklow schools approved for funding to date. Schools participating in the scheme have reported a 17pc reduction in car journeys, as more students opt for walking, cycling, scooting, or using public transport. The improvements at St Kevin's highlight the benefits of the scheme, with the 'school zone' upgrades to the front of the school creating a safer environment for students when commuting. Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Melanie Corrigan, welcomed the official opening of the Safe Routes to School project at St Kevin's NS, on Tuesday, June 17, and said the completed works have 'significantly enhanced the area ensuring safety for children and peace of mind for parents'. 'I would like to pay tribute to the Wicklow County Council's Active Travel Team together with the staff from Greystones Municipal District for their hard work and dedication from design to construction on this project. It is a great achievement of all parties involved to witness this delivery of works, which no doubt will be enjoyed by many and for many years to come,' she said. Greystones councillor Stephen Stokes, a past pupil of St Kevin's, said the launch marked a significant milestone in efforts to promote active travel and ensure safer conditions for students and families travelling to and from the school each day. He pointed to significant improvements at the school, including upgraded pedestrian crossings, pencil bollards, clearer road surfaces and a re-opening of the Church Lane gate – all designed to prioritise the safety of young road users. 'This is a proud day for the community in Greystones,' he said. 'I commend the students, staff, and families of St Kevin's who have engaged so positively with this initiative. The Safe Routes to School programme is about more than infrastructure, it's about building a culture of safety, sustainability, and healthy habits for the future.' 'I look forward to seeing even more students choosing active travel every day. These improvements will benefit the entire community and reflect our commitment to putting children's safety first.' Looking more broadly across the county, Tánaiste and Wicklow TD Simon Harris said he welcomed the progress under the programme, which he said is helping to make daily school journeys safer, healthier, and more sustainable for students across County Wicklow. 'Eight schools in Wicklow are now participating in the Safe Routes to School initiative, which is a clear sign of the county's commitment to safer and greener travel,' said the Tánaiste. 'The scheme is not only benefiting students, but it's also making a positive impact on the environment and easing local traffic congestion. 'Encouraging students to walk, cycle, scoot, or take public transport not only promotes road safety but also reduces traffic around our schools. I'm proud that Wicklow is playing an active role in this national effort,' he added. The programme is funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority (NTA). It is coordinated by the Education and Community Action Team of An Taisce and is delivered in partnership with local authorities. The eight Wicklow schools that have received funding are:
Irish Independent
04-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Wicklow councillor highlights ‘range of issues' after extensive roadworks in Greystones
Councillor Stephen Stokes proposed a motion at the May meeting of Greystones Municipal District, 'to call for the urgent completion of the Church Road, Greystones, upgrade works', referencing in particular the verges and edges, which he said were incomplete. Wicklow County Council announced the project in August, last year, and said it was a holistic approach scheme utilising Department of Transport funding for the road resurfacing, National Transport Authority funding for the active travel improvements and Wicklow County Council's Climate Action funding to provide the verge side drainage. The works began in October. The work itself involved a new kerb line installed along the western side of the road from Circle K to Church Lane; a new kerb line to be installed on the east side of the road from Church Road to Turnpike Lane; kerb build-outs around the existing trees on the east side of the road from Turnpike Lane to Bellevue Road; and resurfacing the road from Circle K to Bellevue Road. However, Cllr Stokes said at the meeting he had 'quite a number of residents writing to me about a range of issues'. He said he was advised in January that the 'contractor has to return to complete a number of road jobs including this one'. He also said he was informed that there was a tender for additional works, which he said was 'quite a shift in position' and that six months later 'there doesn't seem to have been a very joined-up approach and a we're going to have to tender' for its completion. He also pointed out the town had lost parking spaces and that there were concerns over the height of the kerbs. District manager, Marc Devereux, pointed out that Cllr Stokes's motion did not refer to the kerbs, which was acknowledged, and that as far as he was concerned there were no design flaws with the project and that it was intended to slow down traffic. He pointed out the project necessitated different contractors in that the landscaping works were not the remit of the conventional roadworks contractor. Councillors were also told that there was a plan to go out to tender for the landscaping works within the week. Commenting following the meeting, Cllr Stokes said: 'The people of Greystones welcomed the much needed resurfacing of Church Road last October, but six months later, we are still waiting for the rest of the job to be finished. "The incomplete verges are not only a visual blight, they also pose a potential safety risk, particularly for pedestrians. It must be remembered that hundreds of school children use these footpaths on a daily basis.' He explained that as the main street, Church Road is a key artery in Greystones, linking the town centre with local schools, businesses, and residential areas and said the unfinished verges have led to concerns about water drainage, pedestrian safety, and the general appearance of the area from local residents. Cllr Stokes said he is calling on Wicklow County Council and relevant contractors to urgently complete the long delayed works on Church Road in Greystones. "The May 2025 meeting was positive, and there was an important dialogue with our council officials. In fairness, the road re-surfacing was completed to a high standard. However, we need to ensure public infrastructure projects are delivered in full and without unnecessary delays. Local residents deserve an efficient service." Residents have also contacted Cllr Stephen Stokes to express concern about the loss of parking and high kerbs. He is urging Wicklow County Council to provide a clear timeline for when the remaining works will be completed and to prioritise the final restoration and landscaping of the verges.
Irish Independent
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
41 social homes still empty as Co Wicklow project mired in ‘unending snagging'
Bray People Residents in Greystones have expressed frustration at the ongoing delay in the release of the long-awaited Cois Droichid housing scheme by Wicklow County Council, which was due to be completed and allocated by the second quarter of 2024. The issue was raised once more at the April meeting of Greystones Municipal District by Councillor Stephen Stokes, when he referred to the 'lack of progress' with the 41 homes, and said he understood from the previous meeting that the allocation of the houses was ready to go as soon as the Building Control Management System issues were addressed.
