A former hotel in north Leitrim has got the 'green light' to house 155 international protection applicants.

The High Court has rejected a bid by Leitrim County Council to block the plan - and said work can 'go ahead' at the former Abbey Manor Hotel in Dromahair.

A group of local residents held protests in the village last November over concerns that asylum seekers were to be accommodated there.

However Local Labour party candidate Bernie Linnane, hopes the community can come together to welcome the new arrivals: