Fortune Dons The Big Medallion

He’s got medals…

atest press release from Councillor Tom Fortune, issued on Wednesday, June 26th 2024…

Cllr Tom Fortune was elected Cathaoirleach off Greystones Municipal District at the AGM on Tuesday. Speaking with the media following his election, he thanked his colleagues for their support, he also thanked the municipal staff for all the backup they provide.

Cllr Fortune says there are many issues that require attention and is looking forward to working with his colleagues to make them happen and come up with solutions, that will help our community. He says there is a need for 30 acres of land to be provided for sporting clubs across the district.

Our local area plan is very important issue and will determine how our community is developed into the future. He encourages the public to get involved and have their say. He says he plans to continue to assist our local fishermen get a fair deal and is disgusted at the unfair way they are treated . He has offered to mediate to ensure fair play is achieved.

He plans to continue to advocate for the Development and Implementation of an regeneration village design plan for Kilcoole. The proposed developed in the centre of Kilcoole village if developed as planned will destroy the village, this must be altered to ensure this does not happen. A footpath to the train station in Kilcoole is urgently required.

The commencement of the Delgany and Kilincarrig village improvements is urgent, taking on board the input from the residents. Work on footpaths in Kilpedder and solution to the issue of it being used as a rat run for traffic. Improvements in Newcastle village. More attention to Kiladreenan, who believe they are forgotten about.

Cllr Fortune says a key project that must get immediate attention is a plan for road markings, footpaths, public lighting and road improvements across our district. He wants the greenbelt between Greystones and Kilcoole clarified and protected. He wants an immediate and clear update on the film studios project in Greystones. He is asking that we start the conversation on budgets for the district now and the spending of same be the decision of the councillors.

“I will continue to fight against the undermining of councillors function,” says Fortune, “and the lack of respect from executive must change. Communication is a key issue; the councillor is the democratically elected person and must have final say regarding actions that effect our communities.

“All councillors have worked extremely hard over the past three months to get elected , which is no easy task. Congratulations to everyone who put their names forward to the public.”

Others challenges where Tom wants to see change and solutions agreed are derelict sites, bus service, parking, toilet for the harbour area, support of tidy towns groups, and protection of trees throughout the district.

Cllr Fortune says it is an honour and a privilege to be Cathaoirleach and he’s looking forward to working with his colleagues to make a busy programme happen.