Participation in traditional building skills training reached record levels this year, according to figures released by the National Built Heritage Service (NBHS).

Operating under the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the service oversaw 45 fully funded or subsidised events nationwide throughout 2025.

The initiative aims to safeguard time-honoured crafts such as joinery, drystone walling, and thatching. This year's programme provided 341 individuals with impartial expert advice regarding the maintenance, reuse, and retrofitting of historic structures. The workshops targeted a diverse audience, including heritage property owners, contractors, and tradespeople looking to expand their professional skill sets.

The 2025 curriculum featured practical training in traditional earth and lime mortars, hedge laying, and thatching. Additionally, the NBHS hosted eight free "Taking on a Traditional House" information sessions and eight "Conservation Clinics," where owners could consult with accredited professionals.

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Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, highlighted the importance of these skills: "We are very fortunate in Ireland to have such an array of unique buildings and historic structures, but these require traditional building skills in order to conserve or restore them. Keeping our important built heritage alive is something I am proud my Department supports. I was delighted to see so many participants avail of training provided by the National Built Heritage Service. Traditional methods, be they used on a building, a drystone wall or even a traditional hedgerow are skills which can only be handed down. So, by taking these first steps, those learning the skills are helping our built heritage to live a very long life."

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan TD, noted that the training schedule will expand in 2026. He also reminded property owners that the Historic Structures Fund is currently accepting applications until 16 January 2026.

"The Historic Structures Fund is one of the key funding streams for the conservation and protection of our historic buildings and streetscapes," Minister O'Sullivan stated.

"We have a duty towards our built heritage and the Historic Structures Fund will help to ensure that it continues to enrich all of our lives. The fund also supports Ireland's built heritage sector by providing thousands of days of work for skilled heritage professionals, so I would urge anyone with a good project to contact the Architectural Conservation Officer or Heritage Officer within their Local Authority as soon as possible."

The 2025 programme was delivered in collaboration with Architectural Conservation Officers across Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, and Limerick, as well as specialist groups like the Building Limes Forum Ireland and the Dry Stone Wall Association. The NBHS plans to release its Spring-Summer 2026 schedule in early Spring.