Work on Center Parcs development to begin with 750 to be employed in construction

Work on a new €233M forest holiday development in Ballymahon, Co Longford, is set to get underway next year after Center Parcs secured planning permission today for the massive development.

Welcoming the decision, the CEO of Center Parcs has said this morning that they will now move to the procurement phase, with construction expected to take around two years, for a planned opening in 2019.

Martin Dalby said: “We have been overwhelmed by the positive support we have received at both local and national level and we are looking forward to forging ahead to bring our plans to fruition.

'We outlined from day one the transformative impact that Center Parcs Longford Forest will have on the midlands region in both tourism and economic terms.  We will continue to work closely with all stakeholders over the coming years to realise this significant potential and, ultimately, to bring our unique short break experience to life for families throughout Ireland.”

Center Parcs first announced in April 2015 its intention to develop a forest holiday village on a 395-acre site in Newcastle Wood, just five kilometers from Ballymahon.

Last October, the company applied for permission to Longford County Council following a programme of community engagement on the project. The local authority granted conditional permission in December but for this to be appealed by four parties to An Bord Pleanála in March 2016.

Today, the bord upheld the permission granted by Longford County Council with conditions attached.

The development will comprise up to 470 lodges and 30 apartments, more than 100 indoor and outdoor activitgies, a spa, a range of restaurants, cafés and shops, a subtropical swimming paradise, with water rides and fun for all ages.

Center Parcs has said that, once open, the forest holiday village will have a capacity for up to 2,500 guests and employ up to 1,000 people in permanent jobs. Many of these roles are expected to be filled by employees between the ages of 18 and 24 years, and the majority are likely to live locally and in the surrounding region.

The company estimates that, when operational, the new holiday village will add approximately €32m to Ireland's GDP per annum.

Center Parcs offers high quality short breaks in a secluded and natural woodland setting. Center Parcs Longford Forest will epitomise the high quality features for which Center Parcs is renowned, including up to 500 lodges, designed with families and the environment in mind, more than 100 indoor and outdoor activities, a spa, a range of restaurants and cafés and the iconic Subtropical Swimming Paradise, with water rides and fun for all ages.

Over the last 29 years, Center Parcs has exhibited a proven track record of taking commercial woodlands and, through careful forest management, transforming them into areas rich in biodiversity. Center Parcs Longford Forest will have a dedicated team of Conservation Rangers who will protect and nurture the beautiful woodland.