Access for Works Dispute

Access for works dispute advice in Ireland tells you what rights you have when you need to use part of a neighbour’s property to carry out works, and what to ask for. If you cannot do your works without access to next door and your neighbour is refusing, the advice sets out your options, including a solicitor letter if needed.

You can upload your folio, deeds, contract, photos or other documents through our secure link; a solicitor would then typically review everything before preparing advice. There is no hourly billing: the price is fixed for the service described. Property and land issues are usually easier and cheaper to resolve early, before a sale, mortgage or family transfer is held up. The advice is based on Irish law and practice and on the documents you provide, so the more complete your documents, the more precise the advice can be. If the advice shows that further work is needed, such as correspondence, a Land Registry application or a planning or court process, a solicitor would explain the options and any further cost before anything else is done.

What’s included

• Folio and deeds review
• Access advice
• Letter quote
• Recommended approach
• Written summary
• Work of this kind is carried out by a solicitor regulated by the Law Society of Ireland. We are not a solicitor’s practice and do not provide it — to instruct a solicitor, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.

Who this is for

• Owners needing scaffolding on a neighbour’s land
• Owners repairing a boundary wall or gable
• Owners whose neighbour has refused access
• Neighbours asked for access who want to protect themselves

How it works

1. Find a solicitor through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory and send them the basic details and any existing documents or correspondence.
2. Complete a short questionnaire about your circumstances.
3. A solicitor would then typically review the documents and prepare written advice.
4. You receive your written advice by email and, where included, a follow-up call to ask questions.

Frequently asked questions

How much does access for works advice cost in Ireland?

Fees for work of this kind are typically set on application: a solicitor would typically confirm the fee once the matter has been reviewed and before any work begins. Any third-party or State fees are listed separately where they apply. You request an assessment, and costs are confirmed in writing before any work begins.

Can I get access to a neighbour’s land for works?

In some circumstances, a court can grant access for certain works if a neighbour unreasonably refuses. Agreement is usually quicker.

Should access be agreed in writing?

Yes. A written access agreement protects both sides.

For more on property, land and conveyancing, see our Property & Conveyancing in Ireland guide.

If you would like to be told when solicitor services are available again on this site, you can join our no-fee waiting list. To instruct a solicitor now, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.