Latest news with #GreystonesMunicipalDistrict
Irish Independent
08-07-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Wicklow village needs support from council to safeguard its future
During the June meeting of Greystones Municipal District, councillors were informed of the village's population growth, with 68 residents having moved there since 2006. A presentation from the group outlined a range of concerns that included, but not limited to, the lack of a local link bus route running through the village which was described as 'regrettable'. Safety concerns about certain road junctions were also raised with the L5050 near Church Road being singled out as one that needs greater attention. District engineer Ruari O' Hanlon indicated that he would investigate the issues raised. Towards the end of the presentation, the community centre was highlighted as needing a substantial upgrade. Wicklow County Council donated the land where the facility was built, which opened in May 1983. The forum applied for grant funding under the Community Centres Investment Fund 2024, however their application was not successful. The fund provides grants to community organisations worth up to €100,000 to help them develop and enhance their existing facilities. In the meantime, Cllr Lourda Scott suggested the group should review the energy rating for the building. Elected members praised the group's ongoing efforts to improve life for residents in the village. Cllr Tom Fortune said there was a collective goodwill around the table to help move these projects forward. 'It can take a long time to get them over the line, but we will keep pushing.' he added. Cllr Mark Barry thanked members for their presentation while Cllr Stephen Stokes pledged his support to their ongoing work to raise the profile of the village. In conclusion, Cllr Louise Fenlon Gaskin and Cllr Orla Finn acknowledged Newcastle deserves more attention.
Irish Independent
27-06-2025
- Science
- Irish Independent
Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk drone survey is planned
The site was reviewed on June 16, with a drone survey to take place in the coming weeks. Speaking during the June meeting of Greystones Municipal District, engineer Ruari O'Hanlon informed the elected members they are also seeking LiDAR data from Irish Rail, which provides detailed information about terrain in the area. With the next meeting taking place on July 7, Cllr Lourda Scott called for these meetings to take place on a more regular basis now that things are moving at pace. The 7km, point-to-point, walk was closed to the public in early 2021 after a significant landfall on the Greystones side left further sections unstable. A further rockfall near the Bray end followed in October 2022 and it has since been re-routed to provide an inland trail over Bray Head. A recent report looking into the economic impact of the Cliff Walk's closure estimated it is costing the national economy €50,000 per day and that the local economy has lost €14 million.
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
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Welsh choir perform at Wicklow secondary school
The Holyhead students performed beautifully and were a superb addition to the evening's programme. This twinning event allowed students from both schools to share stories and experiences as they celebrate 13 years of twinning with Greystones Municipal District. Cathaoirleach Tom Fortune signed the original twinning documents back in 2012. A Greystones cohort will travel to Holyhead for the annual festival there in July and a sporting twinning event is also being planned. And, of course, the Holyhead Santa will be making his return in November for the Christmas lights, together with the Holyhead Male Voice Choir. Commenting on the enduring relationship, Councillor Stephen Stokes said: 'Greystones Municipal District celebrates our Holyhead Twinning Partnership, with its continued success. Over 13 years of learning from each other, a new generation has now become involved, with many more activities to come in the future.'
