More than 30 Ukrainian refugees have moved into accommodation in Tallow in the last week.
An agreement was reached between the International Protection Accommodation Services and the landlord of a building in the centre of the town.
It comes as plans for 44 modular homes - which were also intended to house refugees - have been scrapped by the OPW because the project was no longer deemed cost-effective.
Speaking to WLR News, Tallow Councillor Mairéad Tobin outlined the reasons why.
"They had hoped for 44 homes but have been advised by Irish Water that there would only be capacity for 20 here on the water line in the town. That suggested it wasn't going to be feasible," she explained.
Cllr Tobin hopes to see the site used for other housing or the development of amenities "for the betterment of the town" but stressed the need for improvements in local infrastructure.
"In my opinion these were glorified cabins or containers - they weren't what I would consider fit to house anybody," she said.
While welcoming the new residents, she is unhappy at the lack of engagement with local people and compared the situation to the recent controversy in nearby Lismore.
"There had been rumours that this building was being earmarked for housing refugees but there was no communication that they were arriving," she says.
Cllr Tobin praised the local community group helping the refugees.
Cllr Tobin says those who have arrived mainly include women and children.
"I've met a few of them and, when you look into their faces, there are quite a few who are shell-shocked and traumatised," she says.
"They're trying to get their bearings, they're very anxious to gain employment and to become involved in the community. I'm hoping that will happen once they have settled in and have become familiar with their surroundings."
She explains that a welcoming committee has been established by some locals.
"We have a very good small community group working with them to provide them with the essentials that they need until they have been set up properly," says Cllr Tobin.
"They're doing fantastic work."
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