Planning granted for Bundoran IPAS Centre at Viscount Guesthouse

Conditional planning permission has been granted by Donegal County Council for the conversion of tourist accommodation in Bundoran for the use of a residence for International Protection (IPAS) applicants.

McEniffs (Bundoran) Ltd was 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.

Donegal County Council granted the application planning permission with two conditions, including a condition that the guesthouse shall accommodate a maximum of 21 bedrooms strictly in accordance with lodged plans and details, for the interest of clarity and to ensure a satisfactory standard of development.

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The other condition was that the development shall be retained and carried out strictly in accordance with lodged plans and details.

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.