Speakers’ Corner: Stephen Stokes

Stephen Stokes APR24

ith the local elections set for Friday, June 7th, we have once again sent out our Speakers’ Corner questionnaire to the local wide-eyed hopefuls.

Starting with the 11 candidates running in the Greystones Electoral Area, we’ll then open the floor to the other 4,783 upstanding Wicklow citizens currently stepping into the ring for 2024.

Up for grabs, 32 councillor seats across this great county of ours, with all the hopes and dreams – plus prestige, pressure, resentment, ridicule and mediocre pay – that such an exalted position entails.

Suffice to say, there are plenty of candidates to choose from, from the strong, silent types who simply, quietly get on with their work in the community to the loud, social media-shagging self-promoters who seem to leave little time for any actual graft. We’ve been reporting on this town daily for 12 years now, and the one thing we’ve become very, very wary of is the black arts of stolen valour. Feckers sticking their flag in other people’s hard work by racing to share the good news first on Facebook, Instagram and beyond, slyly hoovering up all the likes, thanks and praise in the process.

It’s akin to waiting at the finish line and throwing your arm around the winner for a quick selfie, owning their victory online before they’ve even had time to catch their breath.

So, whatever your party loyalties and your political leanings, it’s worth taking a moment to look beyond the glitter. These people will be your eyes and ears – and big mouth – down in Wicklow County Council, after all.

In the meantime, on with Speakers Corner 2024, and the councillor who never sleeps, Stephen Stokes. First, a quick bio…

Councillor Stokes is a native of Greystones, having attended St Kevin’s NS and St David’s Secondary School. Heis also a graduate of UCD.

Over the years Cllr Stokes has been centrally involved in numerous local campaigns. These include the Charlesland Dog Park, the Founding Committee of Gaelscoil na gCloch Liath, and outdoor chess tables at the Burnaby Park.

During his acceptance speech as Cathaoirleach, Cllr Stokes outlined his priorities including infrastructure, amenities and the environment. He is expected to campaign on these issues, along with public transport and school places. One recent success was the installation of the Charlesland Bottle Bank, which he had advocated for.

And now for those mind-bending, soul-searching and melon-twisting GG questions…

What inspired you to become involved in local politics? Was there a Road To District Council moment…?
I was inspired by stories about my grandfather George Stokes. He was a close friend of Dr. Hickey, and helped to get the first floodlights for Greystones Rugby Club. This always stuck with me that you should try to contribute to the local community.

I was involved in a lot of local organisations in my student days. For example I was on the Founding Committee of Gaelscoil na gCloch Liath. As such I felt that I could bring fresh energy to local government. I served on Greystones Town Council from 2009-2014, before all of the Town Councils were abolished. Afterwards I worked in Manchester for 6 years. During this time I campaigned with the Liberal Democrats in Greater Manchester.

I learned a huge amount from the Lib Dems about community issues and how to solve them. I always wanted to return to Ireland, so when a good opportunity arose in international student management, I took it. Thereafter, Dr. Mags Crean decided to step down from Wicklow County Council, and nominated myself. These were big shoes to fill, because Mags was a superb councillor. However since then I have been delighted to serve with energy.

Of your work so far, are there particular achievements that you are particularly proud of?
Yes, I am proud of a number project completions. Some these include big belly bins, outdoor chess tables, Charlesland dog park, Charlesland bottle bank and Gaelscoil na gCloch Liath. Since joining Wicklow County Council in June 2022, I have worked on hundreds of pieces of casework.

With his no.1 check mate…

When I get a positive result for someone, followed by a little thank you, it makes my day. I have also helped a number of local families to get housed. This means a great deal to me because you can see the joy and relief on their faces. As a Councillor you have to savour these happy moments. It makes all of the hard work worth it.

Looking forward, what are the main goals that you would like to achieve over the coming years?
My three key goals are infrastructure, amenities and protecting our biodiversity.

In terms of infrastructure, schools, roads and public transport are key. Infrastructure is not keeping pace locally. Schools are a perfect example of this. My three point plan for schools is firstly to build Greystones Community College without delay.

Second, I would seek a school in Newtownmountkennedy, which would greatly benefit residents in Killadreenan and Newcastle also. Thirdly I believe it is time to pursue an Irish speaking secondary school in Greystones. At the moment the Department of Education has parents scrambling to just find any place, rather than their preferred place.

Decisive investment is needed for public transport. Let’s work together to extend the Luas into North Wicklow, get the Dart to Kilcoole and have more express buses to & from Dublin via Newcastle-Kilcoole-Charlesland-Greystones-Blacklion. As a long time commuter I know what it’s like to be parked in traffic on the N11, have my 184 bus not show up, or be severely delayed by a late Dart. I campaigned to stop Charlesland being skipped by Go Ahead. While it is not always perfect, we have seen a massive improvement with the 184 service.

If we want to reduce car journeys, we need to stop beating motorists with a stick, because some people have to drive. Instead, we need to re-focus on giving people real alternatives. Our road infrastructure needs to be revitalised as a matter of priority. Local residents deserve to be able to drive or commute safely on our roads.

I want us to be ambitious with road resurfacing and road marking schemes. Over the past two years, I have reported dozens of trip hazards and potholes. I am grateful to the Council outdoor team, but they need more staff to do the work.

In terms of amenities I believe that there are a number of small and big projects that need attention. The Cliff Walk has to be right at the top of the list. It is an invaluable resource for local people and tourists. This ties in with the need for more trails locally. I have successfully called for additional benches, but more are needed, along with age friendly / disability friendly resources. I also believe that we should re-double our efforts to secure a hotel for Greystones.

Finally in terms of biodiversity I will lead on efforts to defend from illegal dumping and overdevelopment. Some examples include the regular clean-ups of the Dr. Ryan Park that I have organised, and standing up to Wicklow County Council when they carry out sweeping clearances of our biodiverse areas along the Three Trout River. I will champion policies that promote our environment.

In summary I want get things done to enhance our infrastructure, amenities and biodiversity.

To turn a fine Mayor Quimby quote into a question, ask not what you can do for your county, but what you can do for your county…?
I want to get more things done. I have a record of action. But I would love to have a five year term to go after a number of big projects including the re-opening of the Cliff Walk, a recycling centre, road projects, additional amenities and schools.

I grew up in Greystones. This area is in my DNA. It would mean the world to me to represent all residents new and old. If elected I will give it my very best to make the area better.

If being a politician doesn’t work out, have you got a Career B in mind? Dancer? Magician? Traffic warden…?
We serve at the pleasure of the people. It’s like phrase from The West Wing tv show, but it’s very true. My career experience is predominantly in international student management so I would probably re-focus on that. Maybe I could also moonlight as a Greystones Guide correspondent.

Biden or Trump?
Neither, I’d look to support an independent candidate! I was fortunate enough to have studied an MA in American Studies at UCD, so I have always had a keen interest in American politics. The United States is very divided. They could do with some fresh energy.

I am particularly interested in a movement called No Labels. They are a centrist organisation, who look to bring people together in a bipartisan manner. At the time of writing they have ballot access in 16 states already, which takes some doing because the establishment never wants to see their cosy arrangement challenged.

You can find out more about Stephen Stokes here, and follow on Facebook here, Instagram here or X here, and get in touch directly on email here.