The Department of Justice has announced plans for a new direct provision centre in Co Offaly.

It will open at the former Marian Hostel in Tullamore in early March.

The premises has been offered to the department through a public procurement competition for the Midlands region.

The centre will provide 'independent living' facilities to up to 168 people.

A meeting has been arranged between department officials and local representatives in the coming days to discuss what supports will be in place.

Meanwhile a 'Friends of the Centre' group will also be established, in line with other successful models around the country.

The centre will be managed by Bridgestock Care, a service provider which also operates a recently opened centre in Ennis.

The Department of Justice says: "In the coming weeks, a number of families will move to Tullamore.

"Applicants will move in on a phased basis and the total capacity is 168 people.

"The new centre will provide residents with 'independent living' where they will have their own cooking facilities and an onsite food hall where they can get their groceries.

"This is in addition to the weekly cash allowance residents receive (€38.80 for adults and €29.80 for children), which they can spend wherever they choose."

Applicants can also access a range of State services including healthcare, education and childcare.