Plaster On Basement Wall, Dirt!

mattleaders

I have a customer with a very old home. He has an unfinished basement with dirt walls and a concrete floor. There is plaster that has been veneered over the basement wall he says has been there since the house was built. This is now degrading and he would like it redone to keep it from dusting, etc. possibly risking the furnace.

My theory is to apply tar paper to the dirt some how. Then use chicken wire and possible shurwall to cover up the dirt.

Has anyone ever done this before? This idea or otherwise?