Although it is one of the most recognisable symbols of Ireland the thatched roof is in danger of disappearing from the landscape unless action is taken on a number of fronts.
A warning to that effect was first issued by the Heritage Council three years ago. It came as the council was beginning an extensive consultation process with a view to ensuring thatched buildings did not become confined to theme parks.
The process has resulted in a policy document, "Thatched Roofs and the National Heritage".
It was launched by the council at Johnstown Castle in Wexford on Monday.
Its 17 recommendations include steps to increase the availability of home-grown materials to replace the imported straw and reed that are currently widely used on Irish thatched roofs.
It also calls for an organisational structure to be put in place to facilitate communication between the large number of bodies with an interest in preserving thatched roofs.
This would include State agencies, tourism organisations and various voluntary conservation groups.
It recommends that assistance be given towards the establishment of an association of thatchers, and urges local authorities to ensure that all thatched buildings over 50 years old are placed on their list of protected structures.
Other key recommendations deal with training and standards, as well as financial incentives for owners to maintain thatched roofs.
Mr Michael Starrett, the council's chief executive, said many of the methods and materials being used in thatching today were not traditional and this heritage was being devalued as a result.
"We have consulted widely on this issue and it is the belief of the council that the best way to achieve the survival of the traditional thatched roof is to ensure a vibrant and economically sustainable future for thatching as a whole.
"The conservation of the thatched roof has economic implications which should be recognised and accepted if the traditional thatched roof is to have any future," he said.
Unlike some other forms of the built heritage, the council points out, the thatched roof is exceptionally fragile and needs to be constantly maintained and renewed.
Thatched buildings, if neglected, quickly pass beyond the point of recovery.
The council wants organisations such as Teagasc and Bord na Móna to undertake research in areas such as suitable varieties of straw and the cultivation of cutaway bogs for reed beds.
"The question has been put many times as to whether imported materials are appropriate for use in an indigenous Irish craft," says the policy document.
"The present widespread use of imported straw and reed is ascribed to the difficulty in obtaining suitable home-grown materials.
"However, since thatching is an indigenous craft, the use of imported materials challenges the whole basis for sustaining the thatched roof."