An application has been submitted to Donegal County Council seeking planning permission for additional tourism accommodation and related facilities at Mountcrest Caravan Park.
The proposal outlines plans for the installation of 22 new static caravans at the existing caravan park, which is located off the R267 in the coastal town of Bundoran.
In addition to the new units, the application includes the development of a children’s play area, the construction of an all-weather sports pitch, the installation of associated street lighting, and upgrades to foul, stormwater, and potable water infrastructure. The proposal also includes the creation of a new access road to support the expanded layout.
Alongside the request for new development, the applicant is also seeking retention permission for 20 static caravans currently located on the site, as well as related site works that have already been completed.
According to a planning statement prepared by Genesis Planning Consultants, the proposed development is intended to build on the park’s existing role within the local tourism accommodation sector.
The statement notes: “The development aims to enhance the existing tourism accommodation offering at Mountcrest by building on its established role as a key holiday park in Bundoran. The proposal accords with policy objectives promoting the redevelopment of serviced brownfield lands for tourism use.”
The planning consultants further stated: “The overall design rationale is based on consolidating and extending the existing caravan park, utilising previously developed land efficiently, providing a new purpose-designed open space area with play equipment, creating a high-quality tourism development, strengthening the tourism offering for the area,” and “enhancing the overall visual and functional quality of Mountcrest Caravan Park as a consolidated tourism development.”
According to DonegalLive, local planning authorities will review the application as part of the statutory planning process. Donegal County Council has set a decision due date of April 30 for the submitted planning application.
For professionals in the outdoor hospitality and caravan park sector, the proposal reflects a continued trend in mature tourism destinations toward incremental expansion and redevelopment of existing parks rather than the development of entirely new sites.
By focusing on previously developed land and adding amenities such as play areas and recreational facilities, operators may seek to improve guest experience while maximizing the use of established infrastructure.
Such projects can also highlight how planning authorities evaluate the balance between tourism development, infrastructure capacity, and land-use policies in established coastal destinations like Bundoran.
If approved, the project would increase the number of static accommodation units available at Mountcrest Caravan Park and potentially strengthen Bundoran’s capacity to accommodate holiday visitors, particularly during peak travel periods.