UPDATE: Local TD confirms families will be housed in Capuchin building after protests break out in Carlow

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth have issued a document confirming that the Capuchin building located on Dublin Street, Carlow Town will be providing accommodation for 50 international protection applicants.

Previously it was stated that a total of fifteen rooms will be provided for the fifty males in the refurbished building on Dublin Street as early as next week.

However, local TD Jennifer Murnane O Connor has announced that 'following extensive talks with the Department, I can now confirm that the Capuchin Guest Accommodation will be used to house families only and not 50 young men.'

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth sent an email to local councillors this evening, confirming the above, 'Following a departmental meeting last night regarding the increasing number of families, and despite the ongoing acute shortage of accommodation for single males, it has been decided that the requirement to prioritise families must take precedence. As the Capuchin Centre is available for immediate use, it will be used to address the needs of families. This is one of a number of premises that will change use as a result of this shortage.'

The property is owned by Baltinglass businessman Joseph Germaine.

Today, Wednesday 10th January, local residents gather outside the Capuchin building in protest. The protest commenced at 9.30am Wednesday morning and will take place for a full 24hrs, until 9.30am Thursday morning.

The protesters spoke to Carlow Live with one saying 'Children's lives are at stake' and another pleading 'Put the Irish first.'

One protestor on site has a sign stating, 'Carlow says no to unvetted men - no no no!'