Campaigners in County Leitrim are welcoming scaled-down plans for a Direct Provision centre in Ballinamore.
The original plan to house 130 asylum seekers at an apartment complex in the area was paused after some local residents began 24-hour protests against it.
After a meeting with community representatives this week, the Minister of State for Immigration David Stanton said just 27 people would be moved in before Christmas.
He said the Department of Justice has “no plans whatsoever” to open any other centres in the town and promised that the apartments will only cater to families.
He said there would be further discussions in New Year.
Local campaigner Gordon Hughes protested against the original plans. He told Newstalk that the latest proposal is positive.
“I would like to welcome the minister’s statement in relation to the proposal for the relocation of 27 people to Ballinamore,” he said.
“We have always said it was about proportional provision in our community and I think it is an example where the Government and their officials have worked with the local community towards finding a solution that works for everybody.”
He insisted that Ballinamore “never said no” to asylum seekers and said locals welcome the fact that the new centre will cater to families.
