Community &  Neighbour Disputes

Sometimes people can get into disputes with neighbours, over issues like noise, barking dogs, parking. People don't know what to do. They sometimes call the Gardaí, or the local council or councillors. They may even find that the only thing they can do is go to Court.

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Going to Court to solve issues like these can be a costly and challenging process. How can a Judge decide who is right and who is wrong? Often, the Judge will suggest that the people try mediation (Judges in Ireland are very supportive of mediation).

 

The best way to resolve community or neighbour disputes is for the people to meet in a safe and private room to discuss their issues with the help of a mediator and to find a way to resolve those issues to the satisfaction of everybody. This can also be done on Zoom.

 

Mediation takes place at times that suit both people – not at times that suit the Courts. In mediation both people speak for themselves – they do not have solicitors or barristers speaking for them. Mediation takes place in a private room – not in a public Court.

 

Mediation from Dublin Community Mediation is free to those who cannot afford to pay, however DCM gratefully accepts donations to support the work of the charity.  The price of solicitors and barristers can be very expensive. If people reach agreement, it is their voluntary agreement – it is not one imposed upon them by a Judge. Everything discussed at mediation is confidential – there will be no unpleasant stories in local newspapers.

 

If you are involved in a community row, try mediation first. If it does not work to your satisfaction, you are still free to engage a solicitor and have your day in Court. Mediation is by far the best way to resolve community disputes. Going to Court is the worst way. The Mediation Act 2017  requires solicitors to advise their clients of the benefits of mediation.