Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is aware Vernon Mount House is on the record of protected structures of Cork County Council. Under the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2012 it is the responsibility of the owners and occupiers of protected structures to ensure such structures do not become endangered. Responsibility for overseeing such compliance lies with the planning authority, in this case, Cork County Council.

In 2012 in recognition of the importance of Vernon Mount House and following an application from Cork County Council my Department allocated a grant of €35,000 for the house to the council under the then special projects fund. This allocation was towards works which the council carried out on the structure in accordance with sections 59 and 69(b) of the Planning and Development Acts to prevent further deterioration and endangerment. My understanding is that the structure is now stabilised. However, I refer the Deputy to the council for more detailed information on the current position. As the house is in private ownership, access is a matter for the owners.

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