Taking Greystones Off The Map

Mind where you go…

atest press release from Cllr Stephen Stokes, issued on a feckin’ Sunday evening…

Cllr Stephen Stokes has condemned another attack against the Greystones Town Maps. The first incident occurred on Friday evening, March 3rd, when several hundred town maps in Greystones Railway Station were thrown around, both inside and outside the station.

Cllr Stokes stated: “My mother, Bernadette Stokes, has been stocking the maps for 10 years. Her volunteer service is appreciated. On March 3rd, Bernadette received a call that the maps had been flung around Greystones Railway Station like confetti. So a few us went down to clean up the mess. We were supported by a tremendous group of young women who pitched in. Of course it is discouraging for volunteers to see their hard work undone. However, the first time it happened, you stick it down to a bit of mischievousness.”

On Saturday, March 11th, hundreds of town maps were stolen from the tourism stand, in Greystones Railway Station. Some were later spotted in a nearby bin. Cllr Stephen Stokes added: “It’s really quite shocking that someone would do this.

“With the second attack against Greystones tourism, it feels more like a sustained campaign. The perpetrator, or perpetrators, lack a sense of community spirit.”

The matter has now been referred to An Garda Síochána and Irish Rail, with a request for CCTV to be reviewed. Anyone with information on these incidents, or any anti-social behaviour in general, can contact Greystones Garda Station on 01-6665800. Cllr Stokes is calling on any person who conducts anti-social behaviour acts to stop and consider their impact. He further added: “People should focus their energy on meaningful efforts to uplift the community. While I would be the first to say that we need more infrastructure, there are still plenty of ways to have fun in a positive way.”

The original Greystones Town Map was initiated by Greystones Chamber of Commerce. In 2009, it was passed to Ross Print, in conjunction with Greystones Town Council, Tourism & Twinning sub-committee, which consisted of Stephen Stokes (Chairperson), Ciaran Hayden and James O’Sullivan.

In the early years the print run was 25,000 maps. However due to popular demand, more maps have been printed with each reprint. The most recent print run was for 60,000 Greystones maps. Cllr Stokes stated: “With a section of the Cliff Walk still closed, the Greystones Town Maps are even more crucial for our local tourism efforts. The ads help to advise people of local shopping and dining options.”

Cllr Stephen Stokes noted: “The Greystones Town Maps have been a roaring success. Over 250,000 have been distributed since 2009. I must commend Ian and Wendy Mullen from Ross Print for their hard work. Ross Print are a tremendous Greystones business, who are always on point with the map revisions and printing.”

Cllr Stokes also thanked local businesses, past and present, who have made the map possible over the years. He concluded: “We appreciate all of the businesses who have invested their hard earned cash into this project. The maps are popular with tourists all year round.

“But they especially fly out in the summer…”