Stephen Stokes has been co-opted on to Wicklow County Council to represent the Greystones Municipal District as a Councillor. Stephen previously served on Greystones Town Council from 2009-14. He also served as Mayor of Greystones from 2013-14.
The vacancy arose when Dr. Mags Crean stepped down from Wicklow County Council. Cllr Stephen Stokes stated: ‘Mags was an amazing worker for the Greystones Municipal District. Her integrity and work ethic is second to none. Mags was instrumental in Greystones again winning the World’s Most Livable Community at the Liv Com Awards. Lets hope she will remain active in the local community. I am humbled that Mags selected me to replace her for the remaining two years of her term. Mags has left big shoes to fill’.
During his maiden speech on Monday, June 13th, Stephen outlined several key issues that he will work towards including infrastructure, public transport and tourism.
Cllr Stokes added: ‘I am very proud to represent the Greystones District in Wicklow County Council. It is a huge honour. Having been raised in Greystones I have seen huge changes during my lifetime, especially in housing. Greystones, Delgany, Kilcoole, Newcastle and Killadreenan have definitely contributed their fair share of new housing. However many local people have expressed concern that the infrastructure has not kept pace. This has to be a top priority going forward. I would like Wicklow County Council to re-double our efforts in this area’.
As a longtime commuter, Cllr Stokes believes public transport is crucial. He added: “I share the pain of commuters. I’ve been stuck in traffic while driving on the N11, as well as being stranded by cancelled public transport. If we are serious about reducing car journeys, we need to urgently increase the capacity and reliability of public transport. Building confidence is key. Furthermore I’d love to see usb charging ports as standard on all public transport. The Dart being extended to Wicklow Town is a positive development. Imagine though if frequent rail services went beyond Wicklow Town. Imagine if the Luas went beyond Brides Glen in the east, and Tallaght in the west. Imagine the possibilities for work, study, leisure and tourism’.
Stephen Stokes believes that Wicklow County is an amazing county to visit and explore. Cllr Stokes added: “We are rightly proud of our tourism businesses. They provide crucial employment. Enhancing our visitor attractions is great for Wicklow residents to use. In my first Wicklow County Council meeting I pressed for an update on the re-opening of the Cliff Walk, especially coming into the peak summer season. As someone with a background in international education, I am laser focused on visitor experiences. What we do now will shape the view of Wicklow in the 21st century. ‘.
Stephen Stokes is also focused on housing. He will replace Dr. Mags Crean on the Housing Special Policy Committee of Wicklow County Council. Anyone looking to contact Stephen Stokes can do so on stephenstokes101@gmail.com
