The proposed new prison at Thornton will not require planning approval, it has emerged, and residents will have no right to make formal objections to it on planning grounds.
Under planning legislation dating back four years, Government or State buildings do not need to go through the normal planning process.
However, the Prison Service, which will be overseeing the construction, will have to consult locals and provide details of the plans to Fingal County Council.
Local businessman Mr Frederick Van Daele said the fact that there had been no consultation before the site was chosen meant people were highly sceptical about being listened to. He added: "This came out of the blue, and it will be built without planning approval. That is what I think is a gross, gross misuse of power."
Local people also expressed concern about the lack of facilities to cater for the complex.
A spokesman for the Prison Service said that the issues raised would be addressed during the consultation process.