No plans for asylum seekers at Kilmacthomas property according to Waterford Council

A Council official has moved to quash rumours that a prominent Kilmacthomas property is to be used to house asylum seekers.

Waterford City and County Council's Director of Housing Ivan Grimes responded to concerns raised by local councillors at this week's Comeragh District meeting in relation to claims on social media about the village's former convent.

Labour Councillor Ger Barron was among those to seek clarity on the issue after receiving many representations - and expressed his disappointment at how misinformation had spread.

"I generally don't react when things like this are said on social media," he told WLR News.

"My community is a good community. They would welcome people if there were plans for such a facility, but in this case the convent is solely for social housing and that has been clarified today by the Housing Officer ."

In 2022, it was confirmed that Waterford Council plans to convert the 19th century former convent into a six-unit social housing complex for older tenants.

The council also intends to construct five accommodation units on grounds at the rear of the building.

For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.