A former convent in Athlone is expected to welcome Ukrainian refugees in the coming weeks.
The Department of Integration has confirmed to Shannonside FM it's in discussions with the owners of the former Our Lady's Bower convent to provide temporary accommodation.
The Department of Equality and Integration is currently contacting property owners across the country who operate or have accommodation suitable to house refugees.
In a statement the current owners of the former convent and school, the Hanly group, say the property is a very suitable facility for the provision of accommodation.
The premises boasts a dining area, recreation rooms, an indoor sports hall as well as spaces to provide for onsite classes.
Despite the Roscommon firm procuring planning permission for 99 units on site and being in the final stages to complete the sale and development of the complex, they have decided to put this on hold to house those fleeing the war.
However, the Hanly Group say they are focused on the development of the estate during the lifetime of the current planning permission.
A recruitment drive will get underway this week to fill up to 30 positions at Bower Hall which includes cleaning assistants, night porters, catering workers as well as management roles.
