Declan is a Maynooth based mediator specialising in separating couples, workplace mediation and legal disputes generally.
He graduated from NUI Maynooth with a Diploma in Mediation and Conflict Resolution in 2013. Since then, he has worked in the area of family break-up, trying to achieve a parenting plan. Also, as part of workplace mediation, he does conflict coaching for both employers and employees.
Previously he had a solicitors’ business in Maynooth, as a general practitioner.
His view of mediation is to seek out the prospect of nurturing goodwill between the parties, by facilitating dialogue, ensuring each side is heard, in the hope that a workable and robust agreement can be entered into.
Declan estimates that about 3 or 4 sessions should end up in an agreement, which at a cost of less than €1,000 shared between the parties will significantly reduce the legal costs, and more importantly, result in a mood of conciliation between the parties..
His article "Breaking Up is Hard to Do" was published in the Solicitors' Gazette, and is reproduced on his website - mediationwestside.ie