Center Parcs has today (15 June) announced its intention to submit a planning application for a significant investment of up to €85 million to further develop its resort in County Longford.
New Lodges and Treehouses
The plans include the addition of 200 new lodges, including four of Center Parcs’ most luxurious accommodation – Treehouses. Hidden away within the heart of the forest, each Treehouse sleeps up to eight people and comes complete with a games den, outdoor hot tub, private parking and a dedicated Treehouse Host for the duration of the break.
Expanded Facilities
Alongside the plans to increase the number of lodges, the development also proposes to extend existing facilities, including leisure facilities, restaurants and cafés, back of house facilities, the Subtropical Swimming Paradise and Aqua Sana Spa. The development will remain within the existing site boundary.
New Jobs
The proposed development is expected to create around 300 jobs during construction, with a further 250 permanent jobs on offer once operational.
Positive Bookings for 2021
Center Parcs UK & Ireland’s CEO, Martin Dalby, said: “Despite a challenging year, we have great confidence in both our business and the Irish domestic tourism market, backed up by our extremely positive forward bookings for the remainder of 2021 and into 2022.
He added: “This announcement is great news for County Longford, a significant investment which will generate more local jobs, opportunities for local suppliers, consultants and contractors and a significant boost for the local and regional economy.”
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar TD said: “This is fantastic news for Longford and for the Midlands. Center Parcs is a really valued employer in the area. I know the company has made a huge effort to work with the local community and I’m sure that will continue with this further expansion, which will see €80m-€85m invested, 250 permanent jobs created and a further 300 during construction. I wish the team the very best of luck and thank them for their continued commitment to Ireland.”
Center Parcs will now commence detailed design and site survey work, as well as a programme of community engagement, in advance of submitting a planning application, with a target date of the end of 2021 for the submission.
