Ordnance Survey
Background
OSI was established in 1824, in parallel with the Ordnance Survey in Great Britain. Initially, it conducted a detailed survey of the island of Ireland on a scale of 6 inches to one mile. Between 1825 and 1846, surveyors led by officers of the Royal Engineers, along with men from the ranks of the Royal Sappers and Miners, crossed Ireland, creating unique records and maps.  In 1846, Ireland became the first country in the world to be mapped at a 6-inch-to-one-mile scale.
The 25-inch map series began in late 1888, coinciding with the commencement of the land purchase process by the Land Commission. The 25-inch map was converted to the 1:2500 scale. More than 20,000 maps were produced or updated.
The Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland was established on 1 January 1922, while the Ordnance Survey of Ireland was established in the Irish Free State on 1 April 1922. Initially, the it was organized as part of the Department of Finance. All staff were military personnel until the 1970s.
Modern Form
The Ordnance Survey was reorganised by the Ordnance Survey Ireland Act 2001. It re-established the Ordnance Survey Office as an independent body, OSI.
The pre-existing Ordnance Survey was dissolved upon the commencement of this legislation. OSI provides maps for a range of functions, including title registration. It offers a website showing both modern maps and historical maps, which may be overlaid.
The 2001 Act changed the status of the Ordnance Survey from an executive agency within the Department of Finance to an independent state agency. It accordingly ceased to be part of the civil service of Ireland.
Function
The body’s general function is to provide a national mapping service in the state. In this regard, it operates in the public interest by creating and maintaining the definitive national mapping and related geographic records of the state.
Its functions include all tasks necessary for the above, including maintaining and developing the underlying physical infrastructure needed to support mapping applications and maintaining a national grid, national geodetic and height frameworks, and linking these to international systems.
The OSI’s responsibilities include:
- Creating and maintaining, for the entire state, mapping and related geographic databases with national consistency, currency, and style.
- Providing mapping and related geographical information to the public and private sectors in support of social, economic, legislative, educational, historical, business, and administrative functions.
- Encouraging and promoting the use of national mapping and related databases.
- Advising the government on matters relating to survey policy, mapping, and geographic information.
- Representing the state at an international level.
- Depicting place names and ancient features on national maps, including Irish name equivalents.
OSI is required to conduct its affairs on a cost-recovery basis. OSI may establish subsidiaries and acquire shares in companies.
OSI Powers
An OSI member has the power at all reasonable times to enter land and premises and make inquiries, investigations, and examinations as deemed necessary for performing his functions. He may not enter a private dwelling without consent, but he may do so with a District Court warrant authorising entry.
If a member of OSI is prevented from entering land while exercising this power, he may apply to the District Court for a warrant to enter the premises. He may be accompanied by a member of the Garda SÃochána if necessary. The application is made to the District Court in the relevant area.
It is an offence to obstruct or impede a member of OSI staff in the performance of their duties. It is also an offence to intentionally destroy or remove an OSI mark, punishable on summary conviction by a fine of up to €2,000.
Governance
The OSI Board consists of a chairperson and between four and nine ordinary members. They are appointed for a five-year term by the Minister for Finance.
The Board appoints a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), subject to approval by the Minister. The CEO manages and controls the staff, administration, and business of OSI. The CEO is required to appear before Oireachtas Committees and provide evidence regarding the regularity and propriety of transactions, the economy and efficiency of office operations, systems, procedures, and practices, and matters affecting OSI.
OSI has its own staff, whose remuneration is set according to national agreed guidelines or government policy, including the superannuation scheme.
OSI has the power to engage contractors and consultants. Members of OSI staff, the Board, and officers are bound by special confidentiality obligations regarding confidential information. The Minister for Finance may enter into service agreements to carry out specific tasks and obligations on behalf of the state.
OSI employs about 320 people. Its principal office is in Phoenix Park, with six regional offices.