Understanding Property Boundaries in Ireland: Mapping and Ownership
- Andrew Mc Allister
- Aug 11, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 8
Understanding property boundaries in Ireland often raises more questions than answers. At Legal Maps, we regularly assist clients trying to make sense of what their Land Registry map actually shows — and, more importantly, what it legally means.
In this post, we break down one of the most common misconceptions: Does your property include the road in front of it?
🔍 The Middle of the Roadway Conundrum
One of the most frequent queries we get is whether a registered property owner has ownership rights extending to the middle of the public road adjoining their site.
This stems from how Land Registry boundaries are displayed. Sometimes, the red line outlining your property appears to extend right into the roadway. However, these representations are not definitive.
The answer lies in Section 85 of the Registration of Title Act, 1964, as amended by Section 62 of the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006. It states:
“Neither the description of land in the register nor its identification by reference to a Registry map shall be conclusive as to the boundaries or extent of the land.”
In plain terms, Land Registry maps are for identification only. They do not conclusively define legal ownership lines.
This is the foundation of what’s called the General Boundaries Rule.
🧭 What Is the General Boundaries Rule?
The General Boundaries Rule says that the title shown on your Land Registry folio reflects only the approximate boundaries of your property. Unless there is specific legal evidence (like a deed or court ruling) stating otherwise, ownership generally ends where your physical boundaries — walls, fences, hedges — exist.
➡️ Want to better understand what a PRAI-compliant map looks like?
📊 Practical & Legal Implications with Property Boundaries in Ireland
So, why does this matter?
1. Liability & Public Access
If your map seems to show your boundary includes the road, you can’t block access or claim ownership over that space without solid legal proof. In cases where a local authority has taken charge of a public road, you don’t own the road, but restrictions apply to ensure access is maintained.
2. Rural & Shared Lanes
Issues often arise in rural areas, where private lanes aren’t taken in charge by the council. Even if your folio line extends to the middle of the lane, you may not have exclusive rights to block or gate it. Other landowners could have a right of way based on historical use.
➡️ Not sure if your title needs to include roadways or rights of way?
✔️ State Guarantee vs Legal Reality
The State Guarantee attached to registered titles ensures your ownership is protected — but only within the limits of what you actually own.
Land Registry maps are not ground truth. They are guides. For any dispute involving:
Roadway access
Shared driveways
Pathways
Rights of way
…you’ll need more than just a red line on a map.
🚪 Final Thoughts: Map With Confidence
So, can you assume your folio includes the road? No. Unless you have unambiguous evidence, the red line doesn’t give you ownership of the road.
Need help mapping your property accurately and compliantly? We provide Land Registry compliant maps that follow Tailte Éireann standards.
📚 Further Reading
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers are advised to consult a qualified solicitor or legal professional for advice specific to their individual circumstances. Legal Maps accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on the content of this blog.
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