Council properties defaced with threatening graffiti messages

There has been an increase in incidents in Waterford where families living in Council properties have had their homes defaced with graffiti.

A local councillor has said that messages of intimidation towards families and individuals have been spraypainted onto their Council owned homes.

Cllr Eamon Quinlan has asked Waterford Council’s housing department to step in.

He said last week: “I think we should help families who are being threatened.” 

Waterford Council Housing Director, Seamus De Faoite, confirmed that the Council have been receiving reports of graffiti on Council properties and that the authority have been working closely with An Garda Siochana on the matter.

However, Waterford City and County Council's housing policy places the responsibility for exterior painting and decorating on the tenant.

Mr. De Faoite said this policy is very clear, although it probably wasn't implemented with incidents of graffiti in mind.

He said he would be concerned that if the Council painted over graffiti on Council properties it may encourage more graffiti to occur.

 “I will say that what we want to do as a housing authority is provide as much help and support as we can to all our tenants" he added.

(Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme)