In Reply to: Art Deco posted by JDP on January 22, 2006 at 01:24:31:

Compared with most other substations - expanses of metalwork with keep out signs I would agree that it's an elegant building considering what it is used for. There was no need for them to go to the trouble with the window panes or the very 1950s electricity symbol on the front.

But beauty is in the eye of the beholder so even if you didn't particularly think the old convent or Burleigh House or the old Cinema are anything to right home about it would still be a crime to destroy them simply because you don't appreciate their architectural value or because they are getting in the way of your profits as a builder. And of course that is what's happening – and not just to old buildings. Green space is a nuisance too and don't get me started about chopping down mature trees – e.g. Spencer Park where both trees and green space bang in the centre of town went. And all just to pile in the most gawdawful ugly buildings the town has seen to date - well apart what they have done at Flannelly’s Field.

The playground built with the fine imposed for demolishing the convent is a good addition to the town but doesn't replace the loss of any old historic building. Regards Art Deco the cinema is the best example for sure - but there are others. Pretty much every older garage around the area is art deco (at least with small letters) with the simple stepped front usually carrying the name of the proprietor. Agree though the cinema is a particularly good example for Castlebar and it is a good plan to hold onto the front. Whether it will be destroyed and they will allow them to compensate by building e.g. a skate park somewhere else though we will have to wait and see.