The project is due to go to planning by the end of this year and be finished around 2030.

The scene remains sealed off this morning for a technical examination and enquiries are ongoing.

Gardaí were called to the scene at the Oaks housing estate in Frenchpark shortly after 7 o'clock last night.

Met Éireann is warning road-users of poor visibility.

Fire crews are searching for one person reported to have been in the house at the time of the incident.

Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane was one of a number of local politicians who attended a public meeting last week which discussed the lack of childcare in the town.

The statement follows an application from a third party company, Meadow Connect Ltd, who sought confirmation as to whether the building would hold a planning exemption for the housing of International Protection Applicants.

An application submitted by Meadow Connect Ltd proposed the temporary use of 25 Main Street in the town to accommodate displaced persons or international protection applicants.