Local authorities in Kerry have been asked to look at the possibility of a public-private partnership for Killarney House, once the seat of the Kenmare family, which has fallen into decay.
The historic house, surrounded by gardens at the entrance to Killarney National Park, was handed to the State almost nine years ago by American businessman John McShain.
Fine Gael Senator Paul Coghlan yesterday called for a public-private partnership to ensure that the house is renovated and used as an arts centre for Killarney.
Mr Coghlan said continuing vandalism was a major threat and he warned that the cost of restoring the house would continue to increase the longer the necessary work is postponed.
"The house continues to deteriorate and the structure is seriously weakened. Minister for the Environment Dick Roche has already revealed that the infrastructure works required would cost up to €5 million.
"I find it incomprehensible that the Minister has refused to commit himself to any future works and no capital funding is presently provided.
"The security risk increases the longer it is closed and already some minor damage has been done. Opening it up would greatly increase the security regime," he added.
He was echoing local concerns which have increased in recent years.
There has also been a campaign to use the house as an arts centre. Killarney has no arts centre and is also in need of an outdoor performance area.
"Something really beneficial and useful, not just for Killarney National Park, but for Kerry and the entire southwest, should be done with the house.
"It has the potential to be a magnificent contribution to our tourism infrastructure and particularly cultural tourism, which is growing at a rate three times that of other tourism projects," Mr Coghlan said.
He called on local authorities in Kerry to look at the possibility of a public-private partnership for the house to provide an arts centre and audio visual unit for the national park.
When the house was given to the State it was clearly envisaged that it would be restored as a visitor and information centre, Mr Coghlan said.