Over 130 people attended a protest on Saturday afternoon outside a former Longford B&B earmarked for asylum-seekers.
A total of 19 international protection applicants - involving women and children - are due to arrive at the Westhouse Cafe, on the Strokestown Road, in the next two weeks.
The accommodation centre is located two miles outside Longford town.
Saturday's protest was attended by several local families, who say they are "extremely disappointed" with the decision.
They said they were angry over a lack of consultation with local residents.
They also claimed the centre would put an additional strain on local resources, such as schools and GPs.
Claire McDermott, who lives beside the centre, is concerned for the safety of her young daughters.
Dermot McDermott, who also lives beside the centre, said he strongly opposed the development.
Another local resident, Jean Gogarty, said there's a lack of services for the asylum-seekers.
Fine Gael senator Micheál Carrigy, who also attended the protest, objected to the lack of consultation over the centre but indicated the development will proceed.
