- Dundrum Heritage Group calls for Dundrum House hotel revival
- Government will not renew IPAS contract ending late March 2027
- An Coimisiún Pleanála ruled conversion lacked planning permission
- 300-year-old Protected Structure requires substantial refurbishment
- Group seeks to restore manor house to original purpose
The Dundrum Heritage Group is campaigning to restore the historic Dundrum House Hotel in west Tipperary back to its original use as a tourist destination. The appeal follows the Government’s recent announcement that it will not renew the International Protection Accommodation Services contract for the site, which is set to conclude in late March 2027. The decision marks the end of a long legal and planning dispute. In July 2026, An Coimisiún Pleanála ruled that converting the resort into an asylum seeker accommodation centre was not an exempted development and lacked the necessary planning permission.
Campaigners emphasise that unlocking the historic property’s potential is essential to boosting the local economy and regional tourism. The 300-year-old Protected Structure has suffered significant neglect and decay. It will require substantial refurbishment and investment from an owner who respects its architectural heritage. Group member Ger Crosse noted that the property must now be unlocked as a vital tourism asset for west Tipperary.
The heritage group intends to work with stakeholders to return the manor house to its original purpose, providing local employment and restoring amenities like the golf clubhouse and local restaurant facilities. Concerns were also raised regarding wastewater compliance near a protected conservation area.
