A group of local councillors in Athlone say they are now seeking independent legal advice in a bid to halt work on a new temporary accommodation facility for up to 1,000 asylum seekers in the town.
Work on developing the new centre at Lissywollen got underway last month.
In a statement signed by councillors from the Athlone-Moate Municipal District this evening, the councillors said they received legal advice from Westmeath County Council.
However the statement does not say what the legal advice is.
The councillors said that as work is continuing on the site and they "appreciate the urgency on the issue", they are now seeking independent legal advice.
They added that they are exploring "all options to address this matter".
The councillors also thanked the community for their patience and said that, as they enter the legal process, they will not be commenting any further.
Last month councillors hit out at the plan to move 1000 asylum seekers into a new centre at Lissywolllen.
They said the move was "reckless and unacceptable" and public representatives had been "left completely in the dark".
Protests have been ongoing outside the site, where there is already a direct provision centre.
