WATCH: Hundreds take part in protest in Tipperary over removal of asylum seekers

Hundreds of people took part in a protest Borrisokane on Wednesday evening, angry that families granted asylum and living there five years are being transferred to new accommodation in Birr. 

Many of the Borrisokane residents - including over 30 children - of Riverside Apartments have been issued notice to leave by September 5. 

Close to 20 families living in the Riverside Apartments direct provision accommodation were informed earlier this year that they were being evicted. 

The reason they are facing eviction is that they have been given “Leave to Remain” status.

This means they no longer hold refugee status or subsidiary protection and are no longer entitled to live in housing provided by International Protection Accomodation Services (IPAS) because they have been granted permission to stay in Ireland.

The families are very happy in Borrisokane and well assimilated, having lived in the town for five years.

They don't want to move.

They are strongly supported in this by the local community.

Margaret Donnelly, of the local support committee, said the move breaches a written agreement the community fought hard to win back in 2019 - one of the conditions of which was that applicants could be allowed to stay in their accommodation in the long-term once they had been successfully given asylum and integrated into life in Borrisokane.

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO BELOW OF THE PROTEST: