The fire broke out at around two o'clock on Tuesday morning in the Deerpark area of Swinford.

The units in Roscommon town were earmarked for the Lisnamult and Centre Point Retail Park areas.

But plans for 47 modular homes in Ballaghaderreen, for over 200 refugees, are still being considered.

The group's chairperson has confirmed that a committee of ten people has now been formed as part of its efforts.

The well-known Ballaghaderreen businessman recently announced his decision to step down as a councillor on health grounds after 20 years.

The claim was made by former councillor Michael Scally at a public meeting in the town last week.

Works will commence on the 25th of March.

The Ballaghaderreen man was a Fine Gael councillor between 1991 and 2004 and is a long-time community activist.