diff --git a/loxi_utils/loxi_utils.py b/loxi_utils/loxi_utils.py
index f5f9b63..601a65d 100644
--- a/loxi_utils/loxi_utils.py
+++ b/loxi_utils/loxi_utils.py
@@ -36,6 +36,7 @@
 import sys
 import of_g
 import tenjin
+from generic_utils import find, memoize
 
 def class_signature(members):
     """
@@ -517,6 +518,17 @@
     with open(template_filename) as infile:
         out.write(infile.read())
 
+@memoize
+def lookup_ir_wiretype(oftype, version):
+    """ if of is a reference to an enum in ir, resolve it to the wiretype
+        declared in that enum. Else return oftype """
+    enums = of_g.ir[version].enums
+    enum = find(lambda e: e.name == oftype, enums)
+    if enum and 'wire_type' in enum.params:
+        return enum.params['wire_type']
+    else:
+        return oftype
+
 class TemplateEngine(tenjin.Engine):
     def include(self, template_name, **kwargs):
         """