The Department of Integration has said it is currently "reviewing the suitability" of a former equestrian centre in Cavan for the accommodation of asylum seekers.
Castletara residents have been staging rolling 24-hour protests outside the property at Fairtown Lower on the main Cavan to Cootehill road since last Friday evening.
They have raised concerns over the suitability of the property for housing refugees due to its remote location and have also complained of a lack of consultation about the plans from the authorities.
The Department said that a newly established "Community Engagement Team" has met with local communities in Cavan to discuss their concerns.
It said that while all efforts are made to notify public representatives and state agencies in advance of utilising a building for the accommodation of International Protection Applicants, "the emergency nature of the response required means that advance communications are not as comprehensive or as early as the Department would like."
It said that the "sheer scale of the present crisis" means that accommodation must be occupied faster than would otherwise be the case.
Spokesperson for the group of protestors Adrian Delaney said the group was satisfied by their meeting with the community engagement team earlier this week and that they listened to the concerns raised.
Mr Delaney said they were waiting to see if the engagement team would be able to address the concerns over the suitability of the premises and that the protest would continue in the meantime.
The Department said that the "International Protection Accommodation Service has responded to an offer of accommodation made in respect of a former equestrian centre in Fairtown Lower, Cootehill, Co Cavan.
"The Department is currently reviewing the suitability of the property."
It said that the number of international protection applicants and Ukranian people arriving into Ireland is expected to remain at an "elevated level" for the foreseeable future and that access to suitable accommodation is "severely constrained".
It said it is availing of offers of accommodation that meets standards, including offers of repurposed office buildings and sports facilities, in order to address the accommodation shortfall.
"These options are necessary in order to provide shelter to IPAs, to meet basic needs and to prevent homelessness.", a spokesperson said.
It said that contracts are not agreed until IPAS officials have been provided with evidence that all building and planning obligations have been met by the provider and that they try to provide information to local representatives as soon as possible before the opening of any facility.
A "Senior Officials Group" set up by the Department of the Taoiseach is looking at the issue of community engagement and communications.
A spokesperson for the Department said: "It is cognisant of these issues and is working towards improving advance communications with elected local representatives, local authorities and local communities, for onward dissemination to interested parties in this regard.
"Over the past year, communities across Ireland have demonstrated great solidarity and welcome for those who come here seeking refuge."
