Latest press release from Councillor Tom Fortune, issued on Wednesday, April 10th 2019…

Independent Cllr Tom Fortune launched his local election campaign this week. Speaking at the launch Cllr Fortune talked about issues and achievements over the past five years.

Over the past five years so much has been achieved – he talked about new community centre, new playgrounds, new footpaths across Greystones/ Kilcoole and Newcastle. Delgany and Killincarrig village improvement plans. School development in Kilcoole, Greystones and Charlesland. There was a lot of tree maintenance across the district. Improvement to local bus and train services. He thanked the local district engineer for all his co-operation in order for a very busy schedule of work to be completed.

He also talked of issues that require urgent attention, some at local level and some at national level. He is calling for clarification on proposed new 2nd level school planned for Charlesland and promised for 2021. This is coming up on the doorsteps, there is pressure on up to 400 places for 2021 according to concerned parents. Parents need to know what is happening.

The proposed housing development in Kilcoole is an issue because of the way it is planned. The application seeks to exit on to the main street, which is the heart of the village and a busy regional road. This is crazy and not what  was planned in the original plan. This will destroy Kilcoole if allowed proceed as planned. He said he cannot accept that a proper traffic survey was done, certainly not at the right time of the day. Bord Pleanala is not even listening to Wicklow county council, so what is going on.

Cllr Fortune talked about the housing crisis and the serious issue of homelessness. This is a scandal and is wrecking people’s lives. He says government policy is totally at fault here. The absolute debacle of the data centre project in Kilpedder poses a lot of questions. Why is it not getting the support that should be given to it. He also spoke of his annoyance at the way the ‘Rocks in Priestnewtown is allowed to be destroyed. It is a protected site in our county development plan. Also the flooding issues in Hollywell, Kilcoole.

Cllr Fortune also talked about better local government and the importance of independent councillors on local 
councils. There is urgent need to take the control the major parties have on local councils. He also praised the tidy towns groups in Kilcoole, Greystones, Newcastle and Delgany for the great work that they do, encouraging all candidates to do what tidy towns groups have asked and not put up posters in town and villages as per the schedule agreed at district meeting.

Cllr Fortune also spoke with a large gathering about his role as a councillor and how he likes to help people and challenge unfairness. He thanked everyone for coming and for their ongoing support.

The launch concluded with a cup of tea and some biscuits provided by Tom’s wife Ann.