Basketball courts sought for one Wicklow town

By Hugh O'Farrell Walsh, The Wicklow People

Officials within the Greystones Municipal District has been asked to explore opportunities to deliver outdoor basketball courts in the area.

Cllr Stephen Stokes tabled a motion at a recent district meeting, which received unanimous support from all his council colleagues.

The motion also recognises that such facilities are currently very limited, particularly those that are free for the public to use.

The motion will also be sent to Wicklow County Council for review.

Cllr Stokes expressed his gratitude for the support he has received in raising the issue.

“There is a collective determination to deliver these types of facilities. We need to explore every avenue to make this a reality."

Cllr Stokes also paid tribute to Marvin Jerome Hanke from Greystones Sharks, who highlighted the lack of basketball facilities, which provided the inspiration to bring forward a motion.

Cllr Stokes said the motion was about meeting a clear and growing community demand.

“Basketball is one of the fastest-growing sports in Ireland, yet in the Greystones District the outdoor facilities are limited. Free-to-access facilities are vital if we want to give every young person and family the chance to enjoy sport.”

At present, young people and families across the district often find themselves travelling long distances to find outdoor courts or relying on indoor spaces that have a cost and are heavily booked up.

Cllr Stephen Stokes believes that the lack of free, accessible spaces is a barrier to residents in their efforts to stay active, socialise, and enjoy the benefits of community recreation.

“This isn’t just about basketball. It’s about creating positive spaces that bring people together, improve health and wellbeing, and give families and young people safe and enjoyable options close to home.”

Cllr Stephen Stokes has vowed to continue working with fellow public representatives, community organisations, and residents to progress the project from start to finish.

By placing outdoor basketball courts on the agenda, he hopes to start a broader conversation about how the area can expand and improve its public amenities in line with population growth and community needs.

Cllr Stokes emphasised the importance of acting now to prepare for future demand.

“This is about planning for the future. Our district is growing quickly, and we need to keep pace by delivering modern, inclusive facilities that people of all ages can enjoy.”