Latest news with #LourdaScott
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
20-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
100 e-bikes to hit streets of Greystones with Arklow, Wicklow town and Blessington next
The scheme is designed to provide residents and visitors with a convenient, affordable, and sustainable transportation alternative and has been widely welcomed by the district's councillors. To celebrate the launch, Wicklow County Council and Moby will offer free ride passes throughout June, encouraging the public to try the service. There are also plans to expand a similar scheme to Arklow, Wicklow town, and Blessington in the near future. Green Party Councillor Lourda Scott praised the initiative, which is in partnership with Wicklow County Council, as 'a positive step forward in offering more sustainable and active transport options for the local community'. The launch marks the culmination of over two years of work following a motion tabled by Cllr Scott, which received full support from the council. 'This is a really positive development for Greystones and I'm proud to see it become a reality after two years of sustained dialogue with the council. When I first brought this motion to council, I made the case that Greystones residents need more transport options, particularly given the hilly nature of the area and the pressure on car parking and traffic. "These e-bikes are easy to use, environmentally friendly, and a great alternative for short local journeys. They also offer visitors a new and enjoyable way to explore our town and surrounding areas.' The Moby e-bikes replaced the Bolt bikes in Bray in March, and will soon be rolled out in Wicklow town and Arklow. The e-bikes will be available through an app-based booking system, and all the docking points are currently being finalised in consultation with the council. 'I've been contacted many times by residents asking when the bikes would arrive, so I know there is real interest and demand. This is a very welcome option for people who may not be regular cyclists or who find the hills challenging. I will continue to monitor the scheme closely and work with the provider and council officials to ensure it operates smoothly and is well-used.' Meanwhile, Councillor Stephen Stokes, who chairs the Transport, Infrastructure Delivery and Emergency Services, Strategic Policy Committee of Wicklow County Council, said the e-bikes are 'a fantastic development for Greystones'. "The introduction of Moby's electric bike rental scheme gives our community a practical and environmentally friendly alternative to car travel,' he said. "Whether you're commuting, heading to the beach, or exploring our beautiful town, these bikes make it easier and more enjoyable to get around. Sustainable transport is a priority across County Wicklow. This launch in Greystones is just one part of our efforts to build a greener, healthier future for all.' ADVERTISEMENT Wicklow County Council will officially launch the e-bike sharing scheme in the Greystones Municipal District on Monday, May 26, 2025. The scheme integrates with the existing network in Bray, allowing seamless travel between the two towns and encouraging more people to choose active low-carbon transportation. Moby's e-bikes are equipped with automatic gearing, anti-theft GPS tracking, and a long-lasting battery with a range of up to 70 km, making them suitable for both commuting and leisure activities. The service will operate 24/7 with flexible pricing options, including pay-per-use.
