A number of Ennis residents have objected to a proposal from the Society of St Vincent de Paul to open a hostel for the homeless in the town, claiming that the facility will attract an anti-social element.
The hostel, to cater for 13 homeless men, is planned at a former B&B on Ennis's Clare Road.
The cost of the project is estimated at €2.1 million. St Vincent de Paul will operate the building and has told Ennis Town Council that the hostel "will act as a centre of care, support, information and advice to those experiencing homelessness".
Two homeless men have died in recent years on the streets of Ennis. The latest statistics from Clare County Council show there are 16 people homeless in the town.
According to the Clare Homeless Forum, the numbers seeking accommodation rose from 267 in 2003 to 544 in 2004.
Four Ennis residents have lodged objections to the Vincent de Paul proposal, saying the hostel is "virtually in our back yards" and that residents were not consulted.
A decision is due on the application later this month.
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