The new office represents “the next step in the WRC plan to provide, to the greatest extent possible, the same range of services to people across the country as are available in Dublin”, Pat Breen, minister of state for trade, employment and business, said.

Speaking at the opening, Mr Breen added: “It is very important that a body like the WRC has regional presence.

“The WRC is looking at ways to further improve accessibility to its services – particularly for people who, for one reason or another, find travel or dealing with certain situations particularly difficult. Again, this is an initiative I strongly welcome and support.”

Liam Kelly, director general of the WRC, said that the location in Ennis, because of its ease of access to the M18, means that parties from Limerick and Galway East will now be able use the full range of WRC facilities locally.

He added that, in situations where a party might find attendance at the office particularly challenging, then the WRC would consider alternative arrangements.