At a meeting yesterday evening, residents called for an emergency meeting of the council, and called on it to outline whether the site is an exempted development and, if not, for the council to begin an injunction to halt development.

Independent Wexford TD Verona Murphy said the concerns raised are solely a “planning issue and there is no racist element here”. 

She said she has contacted Wexford County Council and sought clarification on a planning matter for the site. She said the council needs to clarify if the premises is an exempted development as it was given planning for a nursing home.

Ms Murphy said those protesting are focused on the need to use the premises as a nursing home. She said there is an aging population, 60 jobs are expected to be created, and a “nursing home is what the people want”.

Concerns were also raised over the fact that up to 400 international protection applicants are to be accommodated, when permission was granted for a 90-single bed occupancy nursing home.

In a statement, the Department of Integration acknowledged that there are outstanding planning concerns surrounding the hotel, and a spokesperson said the International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) is still examining the property.

“A full assessment of the offer made was undertaken by IPPS, and, as discussed at the meeting, there are planning matters referred to An Bord Pleanála by Wexford County Council, requiring resolution,” the spokesperson said. “Minister [Roderic] O’Gorman confirmed that until these matters have been concluded, the Department will not enter into a contract for this property.”