The challenge was brought over claims the Minister failed to adequately screen the project for potential environmental impacts following his signing of an order earlier this year.

Frankie Keena says the use of the site as refugee accommodation would have had wide ranging effects on local development plans.

The proposed height of the hotel has also caused worry among residents about privacy in the nearby dwellings.

He has received two nominations from so-called ‘outside’ bodies, ahead of tomorrow’s deadline.

The Department of Integration wants to accommodate the refugees in Lissywollen - initially in tents and later in modular units, with the first group arriving late last week.

Judge Keenan Johnson described Peter Keaney as being "like a man possessed" during the incident at the Sonas retirement home, Ballymahon Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath on the April 29.

The judge praised the "massive" and "painstaking" investigation by an Garda Siochána that led to their arrest.

Cllrs Frankie Keena, Aengus O'Rourke, John Dolan, Paul Hogan and Kevin 'Boxer' Moran released a joint statement yesterday stating their case is based on environmental grounds.