Councillor condemns ‘totally unacceptable' protest outside his family home over Bundoran IPAS centre

Irish Independent

12-05-2025

On Saturday evening, a group of protestors marched through Bundoran, stopping at Sinn Féin Cllr Michael McMahon's office, which is located in his family home.
The group, who were carrying tri-colours, called for Cllr McMahon to come out on to the street.
However, he was at the Ulster Final in Clones at the time and the protestors were met by his wife and children.
The protest was organised by those opposed to the accommodation of International Protection Applicants at a local guesthouse.
The Department of Justice has confirmed a new International Protection Applicants Centre has been approved at The Viscount, Bayview Avenue, Bundoran.
The building has the capacity for 70 people in 21 rooms and it is believed it will be for families and couples seeking international protection.
The contract has been signed for one year.
The property has previously been contracted to the Department to provide accommodation for Ukrainian citizens.
Speaking to Ocean FM, Cllr Michael McMahon said everyone has a right to protest but he felt the protest was aimed against him and his family.
He said his wife and daughter felt threatened as the group gathered outside their home.
"They came up the street and stood outside my house shouting obscenities to my wife and children.
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"This has nothing to do with what they stand for because nobody really knows what they stand for.
"I wasn't there, I was at the Ulster final in Clones but they shouted obscenities and nasty stuff to my children, my grandchildren and my great grandchildren.
"This is a house, a private residence.
"My wife confronted them and told them what was going on and so did one of my daughters.
"These are the very people who are saying we need to protect our wives and our families but they came to my house with vengeance.
"A young crowd of people.
"What is this all about? Why did they do this to me?
"I am very supportive of all people irrespective of creed or class,' said Cllr McMahon.
Organisers of the protest claim they have attempted to liaise with Cllr McMahon about the plans for the IPAS centre but he has not been forthcoming.
In footage of the incident online, the group can be seen outside the property carrying tri-colours and chanting 'Sinn Féin are traitors'.
Members of Cllr McMahon's family spoke to individuals in the group and told them, 'he is not the government' and 'he is one man.'
Cllr McMahon said he has spoken out about the IPAS centre and the lack of resources and services available in the town.
"I have been working on this from day one and working very hard for the people of Bundoran and the surrounding areas.
"The one thing I will say is people have the right to protest but when the organisers said they were coming up to my house, a lot of people who do have concerns, did not come up to the house.
"They dropped out and said they would not go to anyone's house and I thank them for that, it is much appreciated,' said Cllr McMahon.
He added that the actions of the protestors were 'totally unacceptable.'
"The intimidation that they done on my family with me not being there is totally unacceptable,' said Cllr McMahon.
Cllr McMahon said his wife, who he described as resilient, was left frightened by the incident.
He said he will not be intimidated by the protestors and will continue to work for the people of Bundoran.
'I am standing up for the people of the Bundoran, working for the people of Bundoran and the surrounding areas.
"I do the work and I am very proud of it.
"The government haven't handled this situation well. They should have contacted the people.
"During the general election, they said there would be community groups and meetings with the community and that has not happened.
"I will not tolerate anyone outside my door interfering with my family when I am not there.
"They are the cowards,' said Cllr McMahon.