Construction work starts on first phase of Center Parcs expansion

Construction work on the first phase of a major expansion of Center Parcs Longford Forest near Ballymahon is under way.

Sisk, which completed the initial building phase of the outdoor resort in 2020, is currently working on the completion of 83 new lodges at the resort and a new lakeside restaurant.

It’s the initial phase of the expansion, which was first announced in 2022 and given planning approval in November 2023.

Overall, in the full expansion, a total of 300 jobs will be created during construction and approximately a further 250 permanent jobs once operational.

The new proposed development will increase capacity of the resort to approximately 3,500 guests per break. A total of 198 more accommodation lodges, including four luxury treehouses, are being added.

The village near Ballymahon has helped drive growth in the domestic tourism market. In the 12 months between April 2023 and April 2024, Center Parcs Longford Forest generated €58 million GVA for the Irish economy, €23 million in Exchequer revenue and welcomed 260,700 guests.

Locally, the resort has generated €44 million GVA and created more than 1,000 jobs. Of those employed, 60 per cent are from Longford, and 89 per cent live in the midlands.

Sustainability and protecting the environment have been at the forefront of the development planning and, as part of the expansion, an air source heat pump-led network will power the new lodges.

Measures will be put in place at all facilities to reduce energy consumption, including the use of high efficiency LED lighting, while new commercial buildings will be powered by electricity rather than gas. Low flow outlets will also be utilised throughout the development to reduce water consumption.

Center Parcs have been operating in Ireland for six years.

Leanne Broderick, managing director of Sisk said his firm are delighted to win the Center Parcs extension project. "Having completed the initial first phase of building works five years ago, this is a significant project win for us. We look forward to working with the Center Parcs team again and extending its facilities."

Daragh Feighery, village director at Center Parcs said: "Longford Forest continues to go from strength to strength and, in a short time, has become a firm favourite with families across Ireland. We are delighted to be working with Sisk again on the further development of Longford Forest, following on from our successful relationship during the initial build."