‘Listen, work hard and answer your emails’- Wicklow county councillor shares what he does in a typical day
The Wicklow PeopleFor Stephen Stokes, there are three things you need to do to be an effective county councillor.
“Listen, work hard and answer your emails.”
He says that quite definitively but it’s fair to assume he knows what he’s talking about.
The former Mayor of Greystones, who was co-opted onto Wicklow County Council in 2022 following the resignation of independent councillor Mags Crean, is no stranger to the spotlight.
Within two years of taking his council seat, Cllr Stokes had already been appointed Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District, a role which helped him top the poll following the local election in June 2024.
On a visit to his home office in Charlesland, it’s hard to ignore the boundless energy and determination he has to get the job done.
“I have lived in this area for most of my life, it’s a very family friendly neighbourhood and through my involvement with local groups and clubs you get to meet people and hear what they are passionate about.
“Those three things I mentioned are so important, because people put their trust in you with their vote, so there is a responsibility to honour that commitment. Answering emails quickly makes people feel seen and heard and you should never underestimate the power of that.
“I love talking to people and hearing their views about the district and its future potential. Those conversations will often feed into my thoughts about what should be raised in the council chamber.”
Today's News in 90 Seconds - Friday, August 29
Shortly before 9.30am on a dull and cloudy Wednesday morning in mid-August, we are sitting in his office waiting for the first of four appointments in his role as Peace Commissioner.
Stephen was appointed a Peace Commissioner in 2023 by then Justice Minister Simon Harris, a role that brings special powers to make statutory declarations and witness signatures for members of the community.
Peace Commissioners are responsible for several tasks, including taking statutory declarations and oaths, witnessing signatures on documents required by various authorities, and signing certificates and orders under a range of Acts.
Currently Stephen is the only one who holds this role in the area, but despite that, he is committed to serving the community in a voluntary capacity, with many people looking for his signature.
"Quite a number of people have been referred to me and there is always a range of issues that people need help with. Today for example we met somebody who needed clearance for summer provision, which is popular for teachers at this time of the year. Whenever I can, I am always happy to help.
“I also offer monthly advice clinics in Greystones, Newcastle and Delgany, in case anyone wishes to reach out and avail of my services. The clinics take place on the second Saturday of each month."
A year into this council term, Stephen believes the three main issues he raised on the campaign trail are still as important as ever.
“Investment in roads, schools and public transport are still badly needed. Infrastructure is not keeping pace locally. The demand for housing continues to outstrip demand.”
With his experience in education, Stephen believes investment in schools is critical. He was on the founding committee of Gaelscoil na gCloch Liath and has seen success in delivering school facilities.
“After a prolonged delay, Greystones Community College now needs to be built without any further delay. However, it is concerning that there are no prospects in the short to medium term for a new secondary school in Newtownmountkennedy, which would benefit residents in both Killadreenan and Newcastle.”
On road infrastructure, Stephen says it remains a matter of priority.
“I have reported dozens of trip hazards and potholes over the past year, and they always get a big response when I post about them on social media. I am grateful to the council outdoor team, but they need more staff to do the work. The truth is the Greystones Municipal District operates without the proper resources and staffing.”
As a lifelong commuter, Stephen also believes that further investment is needed for public transport.
“While it is not always perfect, efforts are being made to improve public transport options in and around the town. The bus and train should provide a viable alternative for people who may not want to drive, but of course there are those who will need to use the car.”
Cllr Stokes chairs the Transport and Emergency Services Special Policy Committee of Wicklow County Council, which allows him to advocate for improving public transport and sustainable infrastructure.
“There are some key headline projects in the pipeline that we know are due to be delivered over the coming years and I do believe they will come to fruition.
"It’s all about giving people real alternatives. The benefits of extending the Luas line into Bray or getting the Dart extension to Kilcoole and Wicklow town in place will be significant. In my role as committee chair, I’ve learned to keep asking questions and not allow these projects fall off the agenda.”
A huge part of the work a councillor does can go widely unnoticed. That’s why Stephen feels it’s important to maintain ties with local community organisations, stakeholders and volunteer groups.
In the early afternoon, we pay a trip to a local coffee shop to meet with Viv Collins, who is chair of the Wicklow branch of the Irish United Nations Veterans Association.
Post 21 (Wicklow Branch) offers ongoing member support to veterans who have served with the United Nations. They also continue to serve the wider County Wicklow community with charitable efforts, including festive hampers for those in need.
During our conversation, Viv outlined his ambition to hold a local ceremony in Greystones marking the National Day of Commemoration on July 11.
The date in 1921 marks the day when a truce was signed ending the Irish War of Independence. The principal ceremony is normally held at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in Dublin.
“I think it would be tremendous if we could organise some kind of local event next year to mark the anniversary. Minister Harris has been supportive to us in the past and we would extend an invitation for him to attend in his role as Defence Minister. I know Stephen will help us explore the logistics of this event over the coming months and what role the council could play too.”
Before we part ways, Stephen heads towards the newly opened Cois Droichead social housing estate for a leaflet drop to new residents and highlights the need for a pedestrian crossing on the Kindlestown Lower Road (R761). Cllr Stokes has been contacted by local residents who believe that a safe, designated pedestrian crossing is long overdue.
“In my role as councillor there is always something to do. Sure, the workload can seem overwhelming looking from the outside in, but I’ve learned to prioritise what is important. The public will often lead you in the right direction and most of the time it’s the small things that people care about. It’s important I keep myself visible to others and let them know I’m here.”
When asked about how Wicklow County Council could improve how it operates Stephen said there is always room for improvement.
“I lived in Greater Manchester for six years where I was involved in local politics. I served as president of the Bury Liberal Democrats and learnt a great deal about many local issues during that time.
“Local politics in the UK is obviously on a much bigger scale but they are very efficient and set very high standards. The system is very results driven and all the various council staff are held to a very rigorous account.
“I think there are elements of that approach that may work well over here. Perhaps as a group of 32 councillors we should work together more to see how the system could be improved.”