An Taisce is appalled by the damage caused to Vernon Mount, Cork, in a serious fire last night.

An Taisce had written, last month to the owner seeking that they donate the house and lands to Cork County Council, so that the Council could protect the house from further deterioration and allow the surrounding grounds become a public amenity. [Note 1][Note 2]

The serious fire damage to Vernon Mount, Cork highlights the continuing failure of Irish planning legislation to enforce the maintenance of legally protected historic buildings. This is further highlighted by the burning of Belcamp in Fingal last week.

Vernon Mount is a sophisticated late 18th villa of unique geometric design with a curved facade. It was reputedly named after George Washington's Mount Vernon. The house is beautifully sited on a hill to the south of Cork City. It's interiors include painted wall and ceiling decoration of Classical figures by Cork artist Nathaniel Grogan, an elegant sweeping staircase in a. curved bow and columned lobby at first floor level.

The house was acquired by San Diego based Irish developer Jonathan Moss and left in a progressively neglected state over many years suffering repeated damage and break ins. Cork County Council had intervened to carry out roof repairs but only a few weeks ago local residents had raised concern at the continuing failure to secure the building.

Immediate action is required to protect the house from further deterioration, and for Cork Co Co to initiate a Compulsory Purchase Order CPO on the house and grounds

Vernon Mount and Belcamp are part of An Taisce’s Building at Risk Project [Note 3][Note 4], of the most significant structures at risk in Ireland.

The Buildings at Risk Register is an unfunded project by An Taisce – the National Trust for Ireland supported and maintained by its voluntary members. The Buildings at Risk Register was put in place in response to a concern at the growing number of structures that are vacant and falling into a state of disrepair. The Register provides information on structures of architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest throughout the country that are considered to be at risk.

Charles Stanley-Smith, Communications, An Taisce. Tel: +353 87 241 1995
email: [email protected]
An Taisce The National Trust for Ireland
www.antaisce.org

Notes

1. Letter to County Council 22/06/2016 https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxEVOTzgFnKELS1KOGdaeGFkcmc/view?usp=sharing
2. Letter to Jonathon Moss https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxEVOTzgFnKEbC1ScldyVkF6Zkk/view?usp=sharing
3. An Taisce's Buildings at Risk http://www.antaisce.org/issues/buildings-at-risk
4. Building at Risk on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/68916935456/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10154816625410457

About An Taisce

An Taisce is a charity that works to preserve and protect Ireland's natural and built heritage. We are an independent charitable voice for the environment and for heritage issues. We are not a government body, semi-state or agency. Founded in 1948, we are one of Ireland’s oldest and largest environmental organisations.