Wicklow councillor highlights ‘range of issues' after extensive roadworks in Greystones

Irish Independent

04-06-2025

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.