The preservation of some of Ireland's most famous stately homes is expected to become the responsibility of a new national trust-style body later this year, under plans to be considered by the Government.
The main role of the body, to be modelled in part on the British National Trust, will be to identify, take over and preserve large houses and buildings of national importance. Many of these are at risk due to lack of funding for restoration and upkeep, including several in State hands.
A report by the Irish Georgian Society in 2003 identified at least 50 houses of major importance, many of which were at risk.
It is envisaged that owner families could transfer ownership to the trust and continue to live in the houses at no cost, with the trust taking over running costs and opening the houses to the public.
The Minister for the Environment, Mr Roche, will put details of the proposals to Government shortly. He said he was "enthusiastic" about the plan.
The trust would be set up as a charity independent of the State. It would raise money through donations from individuals and companies. The plans include proposals for generous tax concessions for people to donate property, and those who make donations to the trust.
But it is expected that initial State funding would be needed to get the trust up and running. It may also take over the running of major buildings and houses owned by the State or public authorities.
It will differ from the National Trust in Britain, which also looks after properties such as national parks.
In recent years the absence of a national trust has been highlighted, with some major homes being sold by the original families because of the high costs of upkeep and large values of the houses because of their commercial potential.
These include the Farnham estate in Cavan, owned by the Maxwell family since the late 1600s; Carriglas Manor outside Longford, owned by the Lefroy family from the early 19th century; and Lissadell House, home of the Gore-Booth family in Sligo, although this is being used as a family home.
Speaking to The Irish Times Mr Roche, who is behind the proposals, said his officials were drawing up a memorandum which he will bring to Cabinet, possibly as early as this March.
"I think this could all be done in a matter of months," he said.
He said he believed that previous antipathy towards such properties, because of the landlord system, were now gone. "These great houses are as much a part of our heritage as of anyone's," he added.
The proposals are based on a detailed report to the Minister last month by independent consultants, Indecon, which recommended the trust.
Fota House in Cork, part-owned by the State, has been identified as the first property to be transferred should a trust be set up.
Russborough House in Co Wicklow has been identified as another possible candidate.
The idea of the trust was first mooted in a report by the Irish Georgian Society in late 2003, which examined 50 Irish historic houses, half of which were in private hands.
This found most needed restoration, but the high annual running costs presented difficulties.
Ms Mary Bryan of the Irish Georgian Society said Ireland was only one of three countries in Europe without a national trust, and that it was "urgently needed".
"It's not something that can be put on the long finger," she said. "Some houses need help now."