In 1998, both the CBSI and the SAI voted to begin discussions to form a single, unified association. When, on 11 May 2003, the National Council of the association voted to form a single body with the second largest Scout association on the island, it was a major departure in Irish Scouting. While close ties were always maintained with Scouting Ireland S.A.I., a divided approach to promoting Scouting was seen as a substantial impediment to the growth of the movement in Ireland. Its National Headquarters was at Larch Hill.