Around 300 people turned out in Mullingar for an anti-immigration protest last night.
The Department of Integration plans to use Columb Barracks in the town as temporary refugee accommodation.
Residents in the town are said to be angry that there was no consultation ahead of the plans.
120 male asylum seekers will be moved into tents at the end of this month, as the government struggles to find accommodation.
It's understood that 15 tents, which would hold up to 120 single men, are to be erected in the barracks by the end of this month.
These are due to be replaced by porta cabins in a number of weeks to provide accommodation for families.