Center Parcs on course to submit €85m expansion plans

Center Parcs is "still aiming to submit a planning application this year" for an €85 million expansion of its woodland holiday village, close to Ballymahon, which the company estimates will create 250 new jobs.

A brief statement from the UK-based company indicated recently that they are “continuing to conduct pre-planning works and assessments” and will share further updates as the process moves forward.

With several pandemic enforced closures during 2020 and 2021, the expansion news surprised many when it was first revealed in June at a virtual press conference by CEO Martin Dalby, and General Manager of Longford Forest Daragh Feighery.

It will see an extra 200 new holiday lodges developed at the site in Newcastle Wood, including four luxury treehouses, extra sports and leisure facilities, new food and beverage outlets, and an extension of the Sub Tropical Swimming Paradise and spa facilities on-site.

Center Parcs Longford Forest currently has 466 lodges and 30 apartments, with a capacity for up to 2,500 guests per break. The expansion proposed will bring that capacity up to 3,500 when it is full.

A virtual Community Forum was held in June where the company shared an overview of the project, which was attended by local residents.

Only open since July 2019, the €233 million holiday village has been a “huge success” according to the CEO, and this expansion will be developed within the current boundary, covering 400 acres of woodland.

A planning application is expected to be lodged with Longford County Council by the end of this year. All going well, Mr Dalby said in June that work could begin on the expansion in 2023, which would result in 300 construction jobs.

The park will not close during work and guests will not be impacted.