Center Parcs has announced that construction on an approved approximate €100 million development of Longford Forest will begin in September.
The development includes the addition of 198 lodges, including four of Center Parcs’ most luxurious types of accommodation – Treehouses – increasing the capacity of the resort to approximately 3,500 guests per break.
Some 300 Jobs
The project will also allow for existing facilities to be developed, including the addition of a new restaurant, coffee house, and leisure and car park facilities, as well as the extension of Longford Forest’s Subtropical Swimming Paradise.
At Aqua Sana, the spa will be expanded to include new treatment rooms and the new luxurious Treetop Sauna.
A total of 300 jobs will be created during construction, and approximately a further 250 permanent jobs once operational.
‘Longford Forest’
“We are delighted to announce that, following several years of planning, we will commence work on our expansion of Longford Forest this autumn,” said Colin McKinlay, Center Parcs UK and Ireland’s CEO.
“Year on year, we have seen an increase in the number of guests we have welcomed to Longford Forest and many returning families, who have really taken Center Parcs into their hearts.”
Local Environment
The team at Center Parcs is planning to put sustainability and protecting the local environment 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.
The project also allows for measures to be put in place at all facilities to reduce energy consumption, including the use of high-efficiency LED lighting, while new commercial buildings on the village will be powered with electric technologies including solar PV, saving 4,100,000kWh per annum of gas.
Low-flow outlets will also be utilised throughout the development, to reduce water consumption.
‘More Opportunities’
“At Center Parcs, we feel so fortunate to be geographically located at the heart of Ireland and have the ongoing support of the local community,” said McKinlay.
“We are thrilled to be able to create even more opportunities for them and boost the local economy further.”
Anniversary
The announcement comes just weeks before Center Parcs celebrates five years of operating in Ireland this July.
In the 12 months between April 2023 and April 2024 alone, Center Parcs Longford Forest generated €58 million for the Irish economy and €23 million in Exchequer revenue and welcomed 260,700 guests.
Neighbouring Counties
Locally, the resort has generated €44 million within Co. Longford and created over 1,300 jobs.
Of those employed, 60% are from Co. Longford, and a further 36% reside in neighbouring counties.
