At the High Court on Friday, Ms Justice Emily Farrell was told by Aoife Carroll SC, for the State, that the centre which proposed to house up to 1,000 asylum seekers was now completely vacant.

The High Court action was taken by Independent Ireland councillor for Athlone-Moate District Paul Hogan, who successfully applied to the court in December for a judicial review, arguing that the expedited development was unlawful.

Ms Justice Emily Farrell said on Wednesday she would defer judgment in an application by the State to quash an order that struck down a statutory instrument used to develop emergency accommodation at Lissywollen in Athlone, Co Westmeath.