Naas business hits back at criticism of shops fronts

A BUSINESS in Naas has hit back at criticism from local councillor Bill Clear about the design of local shop fronts.

Back in February, cllr Clear said that the South Main Street end of Naas town is “looking like a ghetto” and is “getting destroyed” due to unauthorised signage on shop fronts.

The Independent Ireland councillor went on further to say that the owners of the businesses “have no regard for the look of the local Irish town”.

The Kildare Nationalist reached out to businesses on South Main Street that have been subject to criticism by the local politician.

An employee at Kool Mix – a convenience shop that sells confectionery, mobile accessories and vapes – criticised cllr Clear’s language and sentiment.

He said that he has had face-to-face interactions with cllr Clear which had not been positive.

The employee said Kool Mix has found working with Kildare County Council over the issue of shop front signage to be challenging in the past, having been given a large amount of paperwork rather than assistance in finding a suitable way forward.

He added that progress has been made recently, with the business set to change the shop front signage when the council gives design approval.

The employee told us that the shop is Pakistani-owned and said that all communities are welcome in the store.

Pizza Max Naas is another of the businesses that had received attention from cllr Clear in the past with regards to shop front signage.

It has emerged in recent days that Pizza Max has changed its’ shop front after discussions between a manager at the local branch of the fast-food chain and cllr Clear.

The shop front, previously painted a bright yellow, is now painted lilac.

In a social media post, cllr Clear thanked Pizza Max “for listening to me and making a real effort to improve the appearance” of the premises.

Cllr Clear’s post went on to acknowledge the businesses’ engagement on the matter, before encouraging readers to “support Pizza Max and our local businesses whenever you can.”

Cllr Clear’s views on immigration have come under some scrutiny since late last year when he joined Independent Ireland, a year after leaving the Social Democrats. He was asked for his views on immigration by the Journal last year, and said the following:

“If you come here to Ireland to work hard and contribute to society, you’re very welcome. However, if you come here to Ireland and do not contribute to society, and you particularly break the law, I think, really, there’s no place for you. We have a housing crisis.”

Cllr Clear was also accused of “marginalising and scapegoating” back in January when he authored a motion on a council meeting agenda requesting “that the council provides the elected members with a detailed report on the International Refugee Resettlement Programme (IRPP).”

He framed the motion in the context of the housing crisis, saying that “we cannot house our own” and are “looking for people from other countries”.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme