It has been reported this week that a large number of asylum seekers – possibly as many as 200 – could be on their way to live in tented accommodation at Columb Barracks, Mullingar.
This has led to discontent from local politicians and some community groups who operate from within the walls of former military installation.
Helen Donnelly, Chair of the Columb Barracks Restoration and Regeneration Committee (CBRRC), said she was informed of the news by a member of the Defence Forces on Monday morning. “When we came in on Monday morning there was a contingency present from the Department of Defence, who arrived in a Land Rover.