Alliance Belfast Councillor Maire Hendron has said that more must be done to preserve our historical buildings. She was speaking after 'The Heritage Opportunity Conference' n the Skainos Centre on the Newtownards Road, Belfast.

The conference was organised by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the NI Environment Agency.

Cllr Maire Hendron said: "Northern Ireland has some magnificent built heritage such as Dunluce Castle, the Titanic Quarter and the Walls of Derry, that have been well maintained and protected. So it is good to see the economic benefit of these sites being promoted.

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"However, there are many historical buildings, especially in Belfast, that are in a decaying state. There are also some which are not being protected by the planning system and are at risk of being demolished for development.

"This conference has highlighted that our built heritage can help boost our economy, but if we do not properly look after all these buildings then they will be lost forever and will not be able to help our economy."

(CD/MH)