Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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54. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on current condition of Vernon Mount House in Cork city; the action that has been taken to ensure its protection as a building of significant heritage value; his plans to ensure that the house can be accessed by the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44625/13]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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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.

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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I thank the Minister for his answer. Vernon Mount House is something of a neglected treasure in terms of our history, in particular in terms of the Georgian period. The house was built in the late 18th century for a wealthy Corkonian during the period of Cork's history associated with the merchant princes. It is a remarkable piece of history in terms of its artistic and architectural values and is among the most significant surviving buildings from the period. It was a significant building of Cork's south side in its time and featured in a painting by the well-known artist of the time, Nathaniel Grogan, "Man Drinking from a Stream in the Grounds of Vernon Mount House". However, it is regrettably in a state of disrepair, as far as can be gathered, it looks poorly from the exterior and it is inaccessible to the public. It seems a shame that we might have such an architectural gem in Cork but little access to it. Does the Minister have any plans to ensure that the House could be renovated and opened to the public such that we could enjoy what the House has to offer and teach a new generation about the history of the time?

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I share Deputy McLellan's views on the importance of the house, especially the unique and remarkable painted interiors, with which I am familiar. With this in mind I allocated a substantial sum from the limited resources available last year. I remind Deputy McLellan - this is something she might bring to the attention of Cork County Council - that under the €5 million allocation for the traditional skills and buildings-at-risk jobs leverage scheme there may be an opportunity to seek further funding from Cork County Council. My advice to Deputy McLellan is to work through Cork County Council. Then, if a proposal can come forward for next year, I would be sympathetic about it if it were recommended by Cork County Council.

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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I welcome that information and I will take the matter further. That aside, has the Minister had any discussions with the local authorities? Does the Minister have any intention, as the Minister with responsibility for heritage, of using his powers under the National Monuments Act to ensure that the building receives full protection?

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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As I pointed out, it is in private ownership and so I have no direct involvement but Cork County Council has direct involvement. It has the statutory role and function to ensure that the house is kept in good repair. I suggest that Deputy McLellan should go back to Cork County Council and the responsible heritage officer and ask them to engage with the owners of this important and remarkable building.

They should so do to come up with a scheme of work to stabilise the house, protect it and preserve it in so many ways. The scheme to which I referred may provide that window of opportunity. I thank the Deputy for raising this matter and she can bring it to my attention again, having consulted with Cork County Council.