Center Parcs secures planning approval

Center Parcs has welcomed the decision by Longford County Council to grant planning permission for the development of a €233m holiday village in Ballymahon.

Commenting on the decision, Martin Dalby, CEO said: “This is a very important milestone for Center Parcs and we would like to thank Longford County Council for having the confidence in our proposal to grant planning permission. Engagement and dialogue with the local community in Ballymahon and the wider Longford area has been an important part of our approach, and will continue during the next steps of the planning process. 

The positive outcome recognises the transformative impact Center Parcs Longford Forest will have on the midlands region in terms of jobs, tourism and wider economic benefits”. 

The holiday village proposal earmarked for a 395-acre site at Newcastle Wood includes 470 lodges, 30 apartments, central buildings to house leisure activities, sports hall bowling alley, spa as well as shops, food outlets, restaurants and a pub, along with a nature centre and swimming pool complex.

Some 1,500 permanent posts and 300 spin-off jobs will be created in the economy around Ballymahon should the project go ahead, its backers have predicted.