UPDATE: 100 asylum seekers due to be accommodated at The Gables in Newbridge, County Kildare

100 International Protection Applicants (asylum seekers) are set to be accommodated at The Gables in Newbridge.

It was reported last week that the site was being considered to house asylum seekers.

Fianna Fáil councillor Rob Power made the announcement concerning the latest news about The Gables on his official Facebook page, where he said: "I received an update from the Department of Integration (Full title: The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth) this evening informing me that they have entered into a contract with the new owners of The Gables in Newbridge to supply accommodation for 100 international protection applicants."

The contract Cllr Power mentions will last for 12 months, and it will exclusively house young men seeking safety.

He continued: "It's welcome to see the Department improving their engagement and informing the public like this.

"The Department have informed public reps that the necessary fire certs are in place and IPAS are working with various bodies and NGOs to ensure the necessary support services are also brought in.

"The residency will be made up entirely of young men seeking safety in the coming days/weeks.

"The Department of Social Protection will work with them to attain PPS numbers and after six months they will be entitled to work in the country.

"I am in touch with local organisations who are working together to make sure these young men are welcomed in our community and I know the vast majority of people will share that feeling," he concluded.

Cllr Power clarified to the Leinster Leader that he first saw the information relayed by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth yesterday.

A number of commenters have since expressed concerns about the prospect of asylum seekers coming to The Gables.

In response, Cllr Power has being liaising with commenters about their concerns.

The news was also welcomed by Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender, who added: "The Department of Social Protection will assist them in obtaining PPS numbers, and after a six-month period, they'll be eligible to work.

"For those who wish to help out please get in touch with either me or Newbridge For All (NFA)."

Cllr Pender also said: "I am confident that Newbridge will extend a heartfelt welcome to the new arrivals joining our community as we have done so many times in the past."

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Concerned commenters are also being spoken to by Cllr Pender about their concerns during this time.

The NFA group also issued a statement regarding the news about The Gables: "Newbridge For All is preparing to welcome the young men seeking safety who will be housed in The Gables over the coming weeks.

"Newbridge For All is a coalition of groups and individuals who believe in the value and power of inclusive connected communities.

The organisation continued: "We recognise with compassion the plight of people seeking asylum, people who have been displaced and forced to flee their homes due to conflict or violence.

"They have come to Newbridge in search of safety and an opportunity to live fulfilling lives without fear of persecution.

"We will liaise with The Gables to find out how we can support our newest residents and let people know how they can help."