A new mediation service at Dublin Civil Office will give people an opportunity to seek information and resolve certain disputes before applying for civil restraining orders. The pilot is being delivered in partnership with Community Law and Mediation and begins on 10 September 2026.
The initiative offers on-site support for customers who are considering a civil restraining order, while helping eligible parties understand whether mediation may provide a practical alternative in suitable cases.
Mediation service begins at Dublin Civil Office
The Dublin Civil Office’s pilot mediation service will operate every Tuesday and Thursday from 10am to 1pm. It will be based on the first floor of the Dublin Civil Office at Áras Uí Dhálaigh, Dublin 7.
People seeking further information are advised to speak directly with a staff member at the Dublin Civil Office. The service is designed to provide guidance and mediation assistance, rather than replace formal court processes where legal protection is required.
Disputes that may be suitable
According to the Courts Service announcement, the pilot may assist with several types of non-violent interpersonal disputes, including:
- Neighbour disagreements
- Disputes between adult siblings, parents and adult children, or extended family members
- Workplace conflicts involving co-workers or current or former employers
- Disputes between friends or acquaintances
Family disputes are only suitable where domestic violence is not involved. Where there is an immediate safety concern, people should seek appropriate emergency or legal assistance rather than rely on mediation.
How the Dublin mediation pilot works
The mediation service is intended to provide early support and information to people considering an application for a civil restraining order. Mediation can help participants communicate about a disagreement and explore whether an agreed solution is possible, although participation does not remove a person’s right to pursue formal legal remedies.
The pilot reflects a wider focus on accessible dispute resolution within Ireland’s justice system. Public bodies including the Courts Service, Legal Aid Board and other justice organisations have an important role in helping people understand available routes when disputes escalate.
Service details at a glance
- Start date: Thursday, 10 September 2026
- Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays
- Hours: 10am to 1pm
- Location: First floor, Dublin Civil Office, Áras Uí Dhálaigh, Dublin 7
- Partners: Dublin Civil Office and Community Law and Mediation
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Those attending should contact Dublin Civil Office staff for current information about eligibility, the mediation process and what support may be available. The published announcement does not state that every dispute will qualify, so suitability will depend on the circumstances.
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What the pilot means for people in dispute
The mediation service gives eligible customers a chance to receive information in a court setting before deciding what to do next. It may be particularly useful where communication has broken down but there is no domestic violence or immediate threat.
However, mediation is not appropriate for every situation. Anyone facing danger, harassment or urgent risk should seek specialist assistance and should not feel pressured to participate in a mediated process.
Key takeaway: Dublin Civil Office’s new mediation service provides scheduled, on-site support for people considering civil restraining orders and dealing with certain neighbour, family, workplace or personal disputes. The service runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 1pm at Áras Uí Dhálaigh.
Article/Image Courtesy: Courts Service
