Former Waterford supermarket becoming ‘encampment’ for anti-social behaviour

Waterford residents are becoming increasingly concerned by an “encampment” which has sprung up in an empty supermarket building.

The former Aldi store at the Glen in Waterford city has become the subject of anti-social behaviour in recent weeks.

The topic was raised by Fianna Fáil councillor Eamon Quinlan at the November Metropolitan District meeting of Waterford City and County Council.

Cllr Quinlan said: “In relation to Penrose Lane, the old ALDI building at the Glen, there’s essentially an encampment after growing up in part of the building.

“You can access it from the street. It was cleared about two weeks ago - there was chairs [and] substance abuse going on there pretty regularly.

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“It started up again and residents living nearby in apartment blocks, as well as some of the businesses, are quite concerned about it.”

Cllr Quinlan asked if the council could write to the owner of the building in relation to the issue. He also suggested that the matter be brought to the attention of An Garda Síochána.

Cllr Quinlan received no response from the council executive on the issue.

The building has lay vacant since Aldi moved to City Square in March of this year. It had been occupied by the German supermarket chain since 2006.