With her final task as Cathaoirleach being the recent unveiling of the 1916 Garden, Gráinne McLoughlin has now delivered her farewell speech too at the recent Greystones Municipal District Council meeting.
Addressing her fellow councillors on June 28th, 2016, McLoughlin said…
I find it hard to believe that it was a year ago that Cllr Fortune passed the mantle of Cathaoirleach to me and so much has happened in that year.
It is only two short years since we got elected amidst a furore about the harbour, the people convinced that nothing would ever happen and plans for a community park. At the time as I have stated, I did not believe that was the case and firmly supported the ongoing development – and so much has happened since then. In the course of the past year, our club houses have been built, our plaza developed and the Marina housing projects are underway.
I am very pleased with the progress and firmly believe it is still work in progress. I think a lot of work still needs to be done on the aesthetics of the project, with the help of sculpture, mosaics and a wish for lighthouse quality paint on the club buildings, the area could be lifted to a less ‘grey’ appearance. Of course the car parking needs to be managed better at the weekends, But like everything, I firmly believe this will come in time. With the proposed boardwalk built, the public park opened and a new community living in the new houses and apartments, our harbour and marina will be a spectacular thriving success story for the not only the town of Greystones but Wicklow as a whole.
Greystones now has the most magnificent marine facilities not just for those who sail but for those who would like to enjoy every conceivable sport associated with the sea or indeed for those that want to stroll around it and enjoy the view.
But there are still some aspects that I wish had been sorted in my time as Cathaoirleach that include…
Public toilets – I will work with our new Cathaoirleach in every way possible to get this basic utility located at the harbour.
Fishermen’s moorings – we are nearly there but again it is taking too long to get this sorted and needs to be done urgently.
Coast Guard Station – I am very disappointed that our new coastguard station has not started yet and will continue to lobby for it with my colleagues.
Whilst other District members work on a party/ad-hoc basis, I am very pleased that we as a group from all parties and none worked together throughout the year for the common good & as a result with limited budgets we have achieved a huge amount. I do believe it is wrong that Greystones does not get its fair share of funding from property tax & more consideration should be placed on the fact that many households in Greystones pay more because the value of their homes is more. It is difficult for us as councillors to justify their continued lack of services. Basics such as footpath repairs, damaged railings poles, etc, general maintenance of sidewalks and roundabouts, are lacking basic ongoing maintenance – not because of the lack of work on the part of the team here in the council but because of the lack of physical & financial help.
I would like to thank sincerely my fellow councillors. No, we don’t always disagree on every issue but I think we have worked very well together. I cannot say enough thanks to the team in Greystones MD office – without exception you have all been a wonderful support and I respect your advice and council you have given me over the year. I will continue to fight for another engineer to support Ruairi and any other support services any of you need.
Having had a Grand Uncle who fought in the 1916 Rising, it was important for me to get involved in its commemoration and I was pleased to direct the successful Kilcoole Remembers 1916 festival – a big undertaking that went so well. To the press also, I would like to say your reporting has been fair and balanced over the year & thank you for that. As Cathaoirleach, my only regret was not been able to attend as many events that I would have liked. Working full time & taking up the mantle of a councillor is a jugging game but I hope I served the people of the district well, and thank you to all of them for their courtesy, honest discourse and communication throughout the year.
Finally, to my Leas Cathaoirleach – Jennifer Whitmore, thank you for being there when I needed you.
Thank you
Gráinne