AFTER a long, forensic examination of the pros and cons (not to mention the length of the gold chains involved) the country’s main auctioneering and chartered surveyor bodies have finally decided to merge.

Members of both the Society of Chartered Surveyors (SCS) and the Irish Auctioneers and Valuers Institute (IAVI) voted yesterday to create a single body to be known as the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI). It will represent up to 4,000 property and construction folk countrywide.

The merger was approved at two separate egm’s in Dublin last evening, but interestingly it was the auctioneers who wanted it most. No less than 88.4 per cent of IAVI members voted in favour of the merger while a narrow enough margin of 54 per cent of SCS members voted in favour of the alliance.

In a statement, the presidents of the two bodies, Kersten Mehl (IAVI) and Peter Stapleton (SCS) described the vote as a landmark decision. Both said the creation of a single organisation would produce a higher and clearer profile for the profession and its members Stapleton and Mehl also pointed out that in the current economic climate, coming together in one body made even greater sense. The move will produce a substantial saving of admin costs, as well as a joint education programme.

Interestingly the SCSI will be based in 38 Merrion Square in Dublin, the IAVI’s stronghold, when it becomes operational on January 1, 2011. The current SCS headquarters in Wilton Place could now be sold, though it’s doubtful they’ll put it for sale in the present depressed market.

All that remains now is for the joint body to appoint a new chief executive. A joint arrangement might work for now but eventually the top job will have to go to a new chief executive.

Meanwhile, the SCSI was anxious to point out last night that it plans to maintain its strong relationship with Royal institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the leading internationally recognised body for those in the construction and property sectors.