Pierce Brosnan's childhood home in Navan demolished

The childhood home of Hollywood actor Pierce Brosnan on Convent Road in Navan has been demolished.

Diggers moved in late last week to level the derelict cottage on the banks of the Boyne where Brosnan spent much of his childhood, living with his grandparents.

The former Remington Steel actor and James Bond star visited the site with his mother May Carmichael during a visit to Ireland in 2013.

Planning permission is in place for the demolition of the house and for the construction of a larger two-storey replacement house with garage on the site.

However, one local resident feels it was a missed opportunity and the property should have been acquired by Meath County Council. Michael Carolan, who also has concerns about the impact of the development on habitats along the river bank, said: "This was the homestead of the most famous living man in Navan. His homestead could have been a source of inspiration to budding young actors.

"Once again Meath County Council missed the opportunity to acquire the house and create a centre of artistic development - look at Ledwidge Cottage for example."

He added: "Imagine the people of Cork allowing Cillian Murphy’s place of upbringing to be demolished ? I don’t believe they would."

Mr Carolan also expressed concerns about the habitats along the river bank which he said are "now in mortal danger", particularly the long established bat breeding colony which he said was first discovered by a zoologist called Tina Aughney back in 2004 and said these habitats should be protected.