The new centre in Cavendish House brings the former law centre and family mediation office under one roof and is expected to assist more than 1,000 people in its first year of operation.

The Legal Aid Board provides a legal aid and advice service to those who qualify, and its family mediation service provides a mediation service to families who are divorcing, separating or living apart at no cost.

Speaking at the official opening on Friday, Joan Crawford, CEO of the Legal Aid Board, said: “The Legal Aid Board has had a presence in Castlebar since 1985, and it is a great honour to mark the launch of the new law and family mediation centre today.

“Each case resolved and each person supported signifies the importance of what we do, and this new centre is expected to assist more than 1,000 people in its first year of operation. 

“I would like to thank the support of the Department of Justice and the minister who have given family law a real prominence especially with regard to the family justice strategy, and the judiciary who work with us and play an essential role in upholding justice.”

Minister of state Niall Collins said: “The opening of this new centre in Castlebar will further enhance the work of the Legal Aid Board towards their mission to empower communities through accessible civil legal aid and family mediation services.

“The Department of Justice greatly values the work of the Board, which makes a significant and positive difference to thousands of people every year.

“The work of the Board is central to a number of reforms my Department is implementing in the first family justice strategy, in particular promoting the use of non-court options to help families resolve their problems, where possible and appropriate.”