Workers in city centre 'feel unsafe'

Cllr Cristiona Kiely has raised concerns regarding a rise in anti-social behaviour in Waterford city centre.

Cllr Kiely said at a recent Metropolitan Council meeting, “There are very serious issues of anti-social behaviour and there are a lot of issues for retailers too. We are seeing more anti-social behaviour in restaurants, and walkouts from restaurants where people aren’t paying their bills.” Cllr Kiely also said that dereliction, drugs and antisocial behaviour are becoming more of a problem, adding "there are a lot of things happening that never happened before and I’ve heard business people feel unsafe walking to their own businesses".

“All cities have their issues, and I think we’re faring a lot better than others around the country, but I think it’s something we really need to take seriously," she said.

Responding to Cllr Kiely, Waterford Council Director of Services, Michael Quinn said, “There’s a working group which the Council Chamber and gardaí participate in, which is particularly focused on the city centre and retail. It is something that is being actively looked at by that group.”