The government has indicated their intention to fight to progress plans to locate up to 1,000 refugees in tents in Athlone.
The ongoing High Court case regarding the tented accommodated site at Lissywollen was heard yesterday in front of Ms Justice Farrell.
Councillor Paul Hogan, backed by fellow local councillors brought the challenge against the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability and Youth over the plans to house the International Protection applicants at a site adjacent to an existing IPAS Centre.
The state conceded to the legal challenge against the development last year, with the details about the future of the site still to be confirmed.
The challenge was brought over claims the Minister failed to adequately screen the project for potential environmental impacts following his signing of an order earlier this year.
The site has seen ongoing protests and demonstrations since plans were unveiled last year.
At the Four Courts yesterday, the state requested a six month stay on any decision on the future of the site.
Counsel for the State have indicated that they are investigating drafting new legislation to enable them to allow the project go ahead and bypass issues that resulted in the site being an unauthorized development.
Ms Justice Farrell has now requested further information from the state counsel on the new plans, with the case adjourned until the 12th of May.
Mayor of Athlone, Frankie Keena says the Government is concerned that the result of this case will make legal precedent:
