Major expansion plans announced for Center Parcs resort

Center Parcs has announced plans for an €85 million expansion of their forest holiday village, close to Ballymahon, which is set to create 250 new jobs.

The news was announced on Tuesday morning at a virtual press conference hosted by the company's CEO Martin Dalby, and General Manager of Longford Forest Daragh Feighery.

The development will see an additional 200 new holiday lodges developed at their site in Newcastle Wood, along with four luxury tree houses, extra sports and leisure facilities, new food and beverage outlets, and a extension of the Sub Tropical Swimming Paradise and spa facilities on-site.

Despite a challenging year, Mr Dalby said they were delighted to announce “exciting news” for the Longford Forest resort which already employs 1,000 people.

“We anticipate during construction that this will create 300 jobs and we intend to use Irish contractors where possible and there will certainly be opportunities for local companies to take part in the project.

“Once complete, the development will create in the region of 250 jobs, again the majority will be from the local area. This development will boost further our already significant impact on the local and regional economy, and we anticipate it will generate a further €80 million of income for the Exchequer,” Mr Dalby explained.

A planning application is expected to be lodged with Longford County Council by the end of the year. All going well, Mr Dalby said work could begin on the expansion in 2023.

See more in Wednesday's Westmeath Independent.