The Donegal county manager has said he will use his emergency powers to provide accommodation for up to 80 Traveller families, despite objections from local councillors.
Mr Michael McLoone's decision comes ahead of a legal challenge in the High Court today by Travellers aimed at forcing the council to meet its obligations under the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998.
It is the first time a county manager will use his powers to go over the heads of local councillors to provide emergency accommodation for Travellers.
A High Court judgement judgment by Mr Justice O Caoimh on November 30th last confirmed both that the county manager had these powers and the council's obligations to provide accommodation.