The International Fund for Ireland today welcomed the official opening of a €2 million 32-bedroom holiday hostel in Bundoran, Co. Donegal, that will provide a holiday outlet to promote the well-being of socially disadvantaged people from all communities on both sides of the border.  Run by the Bundoran St. Vincent de Paul Conference, the group will promote its facility through an extensive network of voluntary and charitable organisations, as well as the general public.  The International Fund for Ireland has contributed €390,550, almost 20 per cent of the total project costs.The facility will provide affordable accommodation to socially disadvantaged people who would not otherwise be able to afford a holiday. In addition to the 32 bedrooms, the hostel contains 4 self-contained family apartments. Meeting facilities and retail units will provide a focal point for the area, and the regeneration of the formerly derelict site in the centre of Bundoran will provide a further boost to Bundoran’s tourist industry. The hostel will also offer a neutral space in which people from all traditions can engage with one another in an open and friendly environment.Speaking at today’s event, Anne Bonner, Board member of the International Fund for Ireland, said: “The International Fund for Ireland is delighted to have supported the development of this project, which has a strong cross-border and cross-community dimension to it.  The Fund applauds the work of Ozanam House and their cross-border approach to tackling social exclusion. Their vision for the project is to be commended and will go a long way towards making a lasting difference to the people of Bundoran and to the lives of those who will travel here from all over Ireland seeking respite from the trials and tribulations of everyday life.”Mr. John Campbell, President of the Conference, which manages the new Bundoran Holiday Centre, said: “The project is of huge importance for people living on both sides of the border.  The facility provides people from all strands of society with an opportunity to come together and enjoy a carefree break, an opportunity which otherwise they wouldn’t have. The support received from the International Fund for Ireland was of major significance in bringing this project to fruition. Without its support, the idea of such a centre would only be a pipe dream.”The event was attended by a wide range of local and national community groups and voluntary organisations. Financial contributions to the project were also made by Donegal County Council and the regional and national bodies of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.

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