Councillors vote for action against owners of Mount Vernon

County councillors have voted to prosecute the owners of an historic house in Co Cork, claiming they failed to secure the protected structure which was severely damaged during an arson attack.

However, Cork County Council chief executive Tim Lucey said that while he would take on board their request, what action, if any, he would take against the owners of Mount Vernon would depend on the local authority’s own legal advice.

The motion to seek a prosecution was tabled at a meeting in County Hall by Independent councillor Marcia D’Alton who also sought information on what notices the council had previously served on the owners to protect the property in Douglas.