The WRC now has five regional offices in Carlow, Cork, Dublin, Ennis and Sligo, providing various means of dispute resolution, redress and effective enforcement fee-free.

Opening the new office, Damien English, minister for business, employment and retail, said: “The Workplace Relations Commission plays a vital role in delivering fair and compliant workplaces and the non-discriminatory delivery of services for our people across the country.

“I am proud of the work carried out by the WRC and I am delighted that this new office can offer the full range of services to the people from across the southern region.

“I know that the WRC is keen to ensure accessibility of its services and the location of this office in Cork city centre certainly makes services more within reach for those who may have had to travel long distances or engage remotely.”

Liam Kelly, director general of the WRC, said: “I am delighted that we have a centrally located and accessible office in Cork city.

“It is the final piece of the jigsaw in establishing a fully functioning office in each region — where our users can experience the same range and quality of service as they would receive in any of our offices.”

Dr David Begg, chairperson of the WRC board, said: “In a small open economy the quality of its institutions can be a source of stability and comparative advantage.

“As a key labour market institution, the WRC is constantly seeking to improve our services and this new Cork office will help to make the WRC more conveniently accessible to our stakeholders in the region.”