A High Court Action against Department of Integration plans to locate up to 1,000 refugees in tents in Athlone will be heard this morning.
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 in Lissywollen.
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 numerous protests and demonstrations since plans were unveiled last year.
Ms Justice Farrell will hear the case in the high court over the next few hours.
