Planning permission sought for Bundoran IPAS Centre at Viscount Guesthouse

Planning permission has been sought from Donegal County Council for the conversion of tourist accommodation in Bundoran for the use of a residence for International Protection applicants.

McEniffs (Bundoran) Ltd is the listed applicant for the submitted application for the change of use of the Viscount Guesthouse, on Bayview Avenue, from a guesthouse to a residence for International Protection applicants. 

The Viscount Guesthouse contains 21 bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms. It is situated across the road from St Macartan’s Primary School, which it overlooks, and is also close to Magh Éne College, the local secondary school. The area is largely residential.

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the building had been used for the housing of Ukrainian refugees who were granted Temporary Protection. 

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International Protection is the protection by a government of someone who has left another country and cannot return to their home country because there is a well-founded fear for that person’s safety from persecution. 

In May 2025, Bundoran was the scene of anti-IPAS protests described as “a step too far,” when a crowd of around 150 protestors arrived at the front door of Bundoran-based councillor, Cllr Michael McMahon, filling the street, and using a loud hailer to call for him to come out. 

Donegal County Council has set a decision due date for the application for Sunday, March 22.