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A Party Wall Agreement is a legal contract between neighbors who share a wall, boundary, or structure on their properties in Ireland. It sets out how building work will be carried out, who's responsible for costs, and how any damage will be handled. This agreement is especially important when one owner plans renovations or construction that might affect the shared wall.

Under Irish property law, these agreements protect both property owners' rights and help prevent disputes. They typically cover details like access for builders, working hours, noise limits, and compensation arrangements. While not always legally required, having one in place is considered best practice for major works involving shared structures.

You need a Party Wall Agreement before starting any construction work that affects a shared wall or boundary in Ireland. This includes common projects like building an extension, converting a loft, digging foundations, or making structural changes to a party wall. Getting the agreement in place early prevents costly delays and legal complications later.

The agreement becomes essential when you plan to cut into a party wall, raise its height, rebuild it entirely, or excavate within 3 meters of your neighbor's property. Irish courts strongly favor having formal agreements in place before work begins, as they protect both property owners and provide clear guidelines for resolving any disputes.

• Basic Residential Agreement: Covers standard neighbor-to-neighbor arrangements for home improvements, extensions, or repairs affecting shared walls
• Commercial Party Wall Agreement: More complex version for business properties, including detailed terms about business interruption and operating hours
• Multi-Party Agreement: Used when three or more properties share walls, common in terraced houses or apartment complexes
• Line of Junction Agreement: Specifically for new walls being built along property boundaries
• Adjacent Excavation Agreement: Focuses on deep foundation work or basement extensions near neighboring properties

• Property Owners: Both neighbors who share the party wall must agree to and sign the agreement. They're legally bound by its terms and responsible for costs
• Building Surveyors: Draft the technical aspects and inspect the wall before and after work
• Solicitors: Review and finalize the Party Wall Agreement to ensure it complies with Irish property law
• Building Contractors: Must follow the agreement's specifications when carrying out work
• Local Authority Officials: May need to approve certain aspects of the work, especially in conservation areas

• Property Details: Gather exact addresses, boundary information, and Land Registry documents for both properties
• Project Scope: Document planned construction work, timeline, and how it affects the party wall
• Survey Report: Arrange for a detailed condition survey of the existing wall and adjacent structures
• Neighbor Contact: Collect full contact details and written consent from all affected neighbors
• Technical Specs: Include detailed drawings, construction methods, and safety measures
• Insurance Details: Note contractor's insurance coverage and any additional protection needed

• Property Identification: Full legal addresses and boundary descriptions of both properties
• Work Description: Detailed scope of construction, including drawings and specifications
• Access Rights: Terms for contractor entry and working hours on both properties
• Cost Allocation: Clear breakdown of expenses and payment responsibilities
• Dispute Re����ֱ��: Process for handling disagreements and appointing independent surveyors
• Damage Provisions: Responsibility for repairs and compensation arrangements
• Timeline Details: Start date, completion date, and notification requirements

A Party Wall Agreement is often confused with an Access Agreement, but they serve distinct purposes in Irish property law. While both deal with property rights and access, their scope and application differ significantly.

• Primary Purpose: Party Wall Agreements specifically govern shared walls and construction work affecting them, while Access Agreements cover general rights to enter or use another's property for various purposes
• Duration: Party Wall Agreements typically last for specific construction projects, while Access Agreements can be ongoing or periodic
• Legal Requirements: Party Wall Agreements need detailed structural specifications and surveyor input, whereas Access Agreements focus more on terms of entry and liability
• Parties Involved: Party Wall Agreements are strictly between adjoining property owners, while Access Agreements can involve various parties like utility companies, maintenance crews, or service providers