NATIONAL Irish Bank has moved to ensure its assets are protected following the collapse of the Taylor Group. A mortgage is now registered on Mr Taylor's Anglesea Road home in Ballsbridge, Dublin.

The mortgage, which is understood to be for around £100,000 was taken out by Mr Taylor and his wife more than two years ago, but it was only registered last Friday.

Mr Taylor applied for planning permission to extend the house in 1993 soon after buying it from its previous owners. At the time it was said he paid around £200,000 for the house which is set in its own grounds.

Company sources say he spent a substantial sum upgrading and refurbishing it, perhaps as much as £100,000.

Property experts estimate that the house, which is within walking distance of the RDS and Ballsbridge, is now worth £300,000-£350,000.