The Department of Integration has confirmed that it has received an offer regarding the establishment of a new accommodation centre for international protection applicants in Kells, Co Meath.
However, the department has said that it is still in the early stages of assessing the offer and no decision has been made in relation to the property in the Kells Business Park.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Department of Integration said: "The Department is working very closely with communities across the country to source and provide suitable accommodation and meet the urgent needs for shelter and support for vulnerable men, women and children who are seeking international protection.
"The State is currently accommodating almost 33,000 people in over 320 international protection accommodation centres across the country, in every county.
"The Department has received an offer of international protection accommodation in relation to this property.
"We are in the early stages of carrying out an appraisal of the offer and no decision has been made in relation to this property."
Meanwhile, Meath County Council has confirmed that it has received an application for a unit in the Kells Business Park to be declared as an exempted development.
A spokesperson for the council has said these works would consist of "property upgrades to include conversion of [the] existing industrial storage building into accommodation for use under SI 605 for International Protection Applicants".
The application is currently under consideration by the council with a decision on the matter expected by tomorrow.
Meanwhile, local councillors in the Kells Municipal District have said they have raised a number of concerns about the proposal with the council executive.
In a statement, it said: "The Councillors of Kells Municipal District subsequently met with the Director of Housing and the Area Manager to express their concerns regarding the proposal.
"Key issues raised included the absence of adequate social infrastructure and amenities, the limited availability of medical, educational & other local services, environmental considerations, safety concerns for potential tenants, and the restricted supply locally of commercially zoned premises required for ongoing economic development.
"Having received confirmation that the final decision on awarding a contract for the proposed centre lies with the Department, the Councillors requested Meath County Council to report their concerns directly to the Department.
"The Councillors also stated their intention to contact their national elected representatives as these representatives are best positioned to provide guidance and engage with the Department on this matter."
Separately, there have also been a number of protests held locally against the proposed use of a unit in the Kells Business Park as an IPAS accommodation centre.
