Protests as Heaney's former home is razed

There has been widespread criticism after a former home of Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney in south Belfast was knocked down

There has been widespread criticism after a former home of Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney in south Belfast was knocked down. However, one Assembly member, Mr Sammy Wilson, DUP, complained of over-reaction from the "arts brigade and the anti-development lobby".

Over Wednesday evening and yesterday the house on Ashley Avenue, off the Lisburn Road, was demolished. It was here that Mr Heaney lived between 1967 and 1973, during a very productive period of his artistic life.

The house was not listed and the developers, Convis Ltd, were entitled to raze the building. Police were at the scene as some protesters tried to halt the destruction.

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Gerry Moriarty

Gerry Moriarty

Gerry Moriarty is the former Northern editor of The Irish Times