The Legal Aid Board Opens New Law and Family Mediation Centre in Galway (Woodquay)

The Legal Aid Board’s new Law and Family Mediation Centre, located in Woodquay Court, Galway, was officially launched on the 27^th February 2026 by the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan.

As the Legal Aid Board’s 34th centre, the new Woodquay facility will provide access to a full range of civil legal aid and advice services for the people of Galway and surrounding areas, particularly those who may otherwise be unable to afford legal assistance. The new location incorporates the services previously delivered by the Law Centre Galway (Seville House) and the Galway Mediation Service, Merchant’s Square.

The Centre will offer the full breadth of Legal Aid Board law centre services, including the full suite of family law matters, such as divorce, separation, childcare, maintenance, domestic violence, guardianship and related applications, legal advice and legal aid in the area of assisted decision making, international protection services, and a wide range of other civil law case types handled by Legal Aid Board solicitors.

The Legal Aid Board’s family mediation service, a free and confidential service available to couples and families who are separating, divorcing, or living apart will also be delivered at the new Centre. The co‑location of mediation and legal services ensures that clients can access both supports in a single, convenient setting, offering a more streamlined and user‑focused experience.

Speaking on the launch, the Legal Aid Board’s CEO Joan Crawford spoke about the importance of the day:

“This new Centre reflects the Legal Aid Board’s ongoing commitment to widening access to justice. By bringing civil legal aid, family mediation, International Protection and Assisted Decision-Making services together under one roof, we are making it easier for people in Galway to get timely, expert support. We are proud of the positive impact this Centre will have in its first year and beyond.”

Going on to highlight the impact of the Legal Aid Board’s Galway offices, Ms Crawford continued:

 “Today’s opening represents a significant strengthening of our services in Galway. By bringing the Law Centre Galway (formerly Seville House) and our family mediation services together in this new location, we are creating a more integrated and accessible service for those who need our support. This Centre will help individuals and families to engage with our legal and mediation services in a coordinated way, ensuring that people facing complex and often stressful situations can receive clear guidance and timely assistance.”

Following on from the launch, Minister Jim O’Callaghan added:

“The Legal Aid Board plays a vital role in ensuring access to justice as a basic human right in Ireland and helps to ensure that modest means or income is not a barrier to people engaging with the legal system.

The Legal Aid Board is an invaluable organisation that has worked to improve the lives of thousands of people in difficult circumstances. This new centre in Woodquay will no doubt support many people living in the surrounding areas with access to civil legal aid, advice and family mediation services. Each case resolved and each individual supported signifies the importance of access to justice and support.’’

If you require civil legal aid or family mediation services, you can contact your local Centre at LegalAidBoard.ie.