Center Parcs plan gets green light

An Bord Pleanála has granted permission for the Center Parcs development near Ballymahon.

In a statement issued this morning, the board said:

'Grant of Permission with Revised Conditions for use of land as a Forest Holiday Village at, Newcastle Wood, townland of Newcastle and Forgney, near Ballymahon, County Longford.

'On Tuesday 26 July, the board concluded its consideration of the appeal for use of land as a Forest Holiday Village.

'The board’s decision is to grant permission for the proposed development with revised conditions.

'A number of third party appeals were lodged with the board against the decision of the planning authority under the Planning and Development Act, 2000 as amended.'

'The full records relating to the case are publicly available for viewing and/or copying by contacting our offices at 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1.'

Further information at www.pleanala.ie/ about/procedures_publicaccess.htm.

First out of the blocks with a comment on the go-ahead decision was Longford Westmeath TD, Deputy Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, described it as a major vote of confidence in the region.

“This is just brilliant news for the people of County Longford. The €230m investment – the largest ever private tourism project in the state - will create 1,000 permanent jobs when open, with a further 300 spin-off jobs in the wider economy along with approximately 750 jobs during construction.”

“Longford has been one of those counties that has been hit hardest over the last few years with around 3,900 people on the Live Register,” said Deputy Moran. “Around 500 of those are under the age of 25 years, so these jobs will be most welcome and this morning’s announcement could not come at a better time.”

“Today’s confirmation represents a major vote of confidence in County Longford and I wish Center Parcs every good wish as they now set about bringing their project to fruition. I look forward to seeing construction beginning as soon as possible.”

“My sincere hope is that this morning’s news will deliver a permanent boost to the local economy that will be self-sustaining for decades to come,” said Deputy Moran. “This investment is equivalent to an Intel or Google coming to the midlands.”

“The project at Newcastle Wood will represent a €1 billion addition to Ireland’s GDP over a 20 year period, a four per cent boost to County Longford’s GDP during construction, and a further 2.8 per cent annually when operational.”