The Department of Justice is to meet officials of Tullamore town municipal authority and elected representatives in the area tomorrow to address concerns over a move to provide accommodation for 168 asylum seekers at a building in the town.
Some councillors in Tullamore have objected to the move, claiming they had already earmarked the same building identified for use instead as a hostel for the homeless.
The department said yesterday said the direct provision centre would open next month at the Marian Hostel.
It said the premises had been offered following a public procurement competition for the midlands region.
In a statement, the department said the centre would provide "independent living" facilities for the residents, who would move in on a phased basis.
The centre will be managed by Bridgestock Care.
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