A centre for asylum-seekers will open in Co Leitrim next month.

Last month, plans emerged for 130 asylum-seekers to be accommodated in apartments in the town.

But after widespread opposition and protests, the Department of Justice paused the plans.

However, Immigration Minister David Stanton says this evening the proposals are now proceeding.

Seven families, involving 27 people, will move from emergency accommodation to apartments in Ballinamore before Christmas.

But he says there are no plans to open any other accommodation centres in the town, other than in the existing 25 apartments.

The Minister says he met the community about the plans yesterday and says positive progress was made.

A public meeting is taking place in Ballinamore tonight, after which the town's feelings on the new plans will become clearer.