Center Parcs say expansion is ‘great news’ for midlands

Center Parcs have said approval for a €100m expansion at their holiday resort at Ballymahon is “great news”.

More than a year after an appeal was lodged, An Bord Pleanála upheld the local planning green light for the extension at Center Parcs Longford Forest, on November 29.

“We are delighted to receive the news that An Bord Pleanála has granted planning consent for the further development of Center Parcs Longford Forest, supporting the original decision made by Longford County Council,” a short statement from the firm read.

The Longford Forest holiday village opened in the summer of 2019, and the planned extension is for 198 new lodges on the 160-hectare site, as a new lakeside restaurant and coffee shop and extensions of several existing restaurants and additional staff facilities.

Extensions to the Subtropical Swimming Paradise and Aqua Sana spa form another substantial element of the project, which also includes a new treetop sauna and additional treatment rooms.

While the company didn’t indicate when work will begin on the expansion, they said “in due course we will progress work on the development in accordance with the conditions laid out by the planning authorities”. Center Parcs also thanked Longford County Council for their “ongoing support in this matter”.

The local green light came in the autumn of 2022, and appeals subsequently lodged with An Bord Pleanála concerned road and water supply infrastructure.

In its ruling, An Bord Pleanála considered that the extension of accommodation and facilities would be “adequately provided with infrastructure services”, would not adversely affect the Lough Ree Special Area of Conservation, and “would not seriously injure the character of the area or amenities of the properties in the vicinity”. It also stated that the project would not have “unacceptable impacts” on ecology, water quality, landscape or cause traffic safety or congestion.

Initially billed as representing an €85m investment, the economic report in the planning file quantified the expansion as €99.8m.

Once operational, the additional capacity at Longford Forest is estimated to lead to an increase of €27 million per annum to Irish GDP, the planning documents pointed out, and Exchequer tax revenues would benefit from the expansion by €13 million from the construction phase, and an additional €5 million per annum once the new facilities are operational.

Of the 198 new lodges planned, 105 are three-bedroom, 56 are two-bedroom lodges, 32 are four-bedroom, four are six-bedroom and there is one five-bed lodge.

External sauna/pods will be provided with specific lodges to be located in three zones within the complex.