The former Hotel has been derelict for a number of years with planning permission granted in 2022 for it's demolition.

The news came following a meeting of Uisce Eireann management with Fianna Fáil TD Joe Flaherty and local councillors, Pat O'Toole and Mick Cahill.

The pilot scheme will be operational in seven counties.

Saint Joseph's campus is located on Longford's Dublin Road.

The affordable housing scheme qualification criteria originally excluded 14 counties from accessing its support.

While both elected representatives acknowledge there's a need to provide accommodation to refugees, Councillor Nolan says the greyhound stadium must be left as a recreational amenity as outlined in the county development plan.

Deputy Joe Flaherty previously described Ukraine in the Dáil as the 'victim of a barbaric act and a barbaric dictator who has brought wanton and untold carnage on that country'.