THERE is a blandness to many of the newer, large commercial and residential centres across Ireland, north and south, which verges on the depressing, and gives the impression that functionality is valued above any other characteristic.

Meanwhile, a range of historic and beautiful buildings in our cities and towns are left in a state of disrepair, and in some of the most disturbing examples have been actively and regularly targeted by arsonists.

There is a clear sense that our heritage is being swept away, either legally or illegally, and replaced by harsh constructions of steel and concrete which do not in any way represent the spirit and traditions of their location.

The widely reported damage caused to the former Antrim Arms hotel in Ballycastle last week summed up much of what has been happening, and deserves to be closely considered by elected representatives and community leaders at all levels.

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It catered for the people of the town, and the significant numbers of visitors who have always been drawn to the north coast of Antrim and the county’s famous nine glens, for almost four centuries, but it is now a charred monument to all that is worst about the changing face of our........

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