New research launched to address growing demand for traditional craft skills in Ireland
The Heritage Council is calling on the public to complete a short survey on traditional craft skills. Participants will have the chance to win an OPW Family Heritage Card.
The Heritage Council has today announced the launch of a national survey to assess the labour market demand for traditional craft skills in Ireland’s built heritage sector. The research will provide the first comprehensive data on the scale of need for craftspeople skilled in the repair, maintenance, and restoration of traditional buildings.
The initiative follows new polling by Red C, which highlights overwhelming public support for protecting Ireland’s architectural heritage and safeguarding the skills required to maintain it. According to the findings:
- 94% of Irish people believe it is important to protect historic buildings
- 88% think traditional skills should be taught in schools.
- 64% of people in Ireland would be interested in learning a traditional skill
Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, said the results reinforce what practitioners and heritage organisations have long understood:
“We know anecdotally that there is significant unmet demand for traditional craft skills in Ireland. What we now need is robust data to help make the strongest possible case to Government for greater investment in training and skills development. This research is a vital step towards that goal.”
The survey seeks input from anyone who commissions (e.g. homeowners), provides, or works with traditional craft services as part of the repair, restoration, renovation, or maintenance of older buildings—typically those constructed before 1919. Members of the public with an interest in traditional skills are also encouraged to take part.
The insights gathered will help identify current and future workforce needs, the availability of training and apprenticeships, and the barriers facing craftspeople across the country.
The survey takes no more than 15 minutes to complete and is open until Friday, 5th December. Participants will also have the chance to enter a draw to win one of three OPW Family Heritage Cards.
For more information, please contact Tríona Byrne, Architecture Officer with the Heritage Council at tbyrne@heritagecouncil.ie