Case Study 1

Research On How The Problem Arose

Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSi) created a new map for the area in 2000 at 1:5000 scale from aerial photography to replace the existing 25 inches to 1 mile map. However, when Property A was purchased in 2004 the old 25 inch map was used as the contract map rather than the new map at 1:5,000 scale. Then in 2008 the PRA digitised the boundaries using the new 1:5000 map which had the effect of moving the boundary westwards between 2.5 to 4.5 metres.

When the construction of the house began in 2017, a question of encroachment arose, and an examination identified the problem. This was reported to OSi and they amended their map later that year. When the PRA subsequently received the amended OSi map, they then amended the registered boundary to conform to the new OSi map. However, this amended version of the boundary still indicated encroachment by the new house.

The Result

Representations were made to the PRA that the encroachment was due to the actions of two State organisations and that a young couple were being discommoded as a result. The PRA proposed a second amendment, and both landowners were written to by the PRA in January 2018 and given 21 days to either accept the amendment or give a valid reason why it should not be accepted. This second amendment was finally adopted in December 2018.