Center Parcs Longford Forest €100m expansion will further stimulate local economy

Center Parcs Longford Forest say they will progress work on the development of a €100m extension to the Newcastle Wood destination “in due course”.

The Longford tourist attraction received approval from An Bord Pleanála last Thursday for the expansion.

The approval of the plans will see Center Parcs progress with the development of the Ballymahon operation creating up to 300 jobs during construction and 250 permanent jobs once operational.

The €100m plan for the forest holiday village includes 198 new lodges, a lakeside restaurant and a coffee shop. Also covered in the approved plans are proposals to extend the Subtropical Swimming Paradise and Aqua Sana spa at Newcastle Wood, which will now include a new treetop sauna and additional treatment rooms.

Longford County Council planners granted permission for an extension to the existing development within the 160 hectare Center Parcs Longford Forest Holiday Village back in September 2022 with twenty conditions attached.

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An Bord Pleanála have been assessing the file since that decision. Third party appeals were lodged in the wake of the council planner's decision to green light the proposal.

The objectors, PJ Walsh and a group called Sustainability 2050, focused on the strain the existing facility was putting on the Ballymahon infrastructure, particularly referencing roads and water supply.

An Bord Pleanála initially set March of '23 as the date by which they would reach a decision, but only issued their determination last Thursday. They said the proposal would be adequately provided with infrastructural service and would not affect the integrity of the Lough Ree SAC.

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There were 17 conditions attached to the An Bord Pleanála approval, including adherence to the submitted plans, measures to protect Rath River (particularly during construction), the conducting of an archaeological assessment and measures to encourage visitors to use public transport.

Local businesses in Ballymahon have spoken of the transformative impact the holiday destination has had on the area.

Jackie White, PRO of Ballymahon Traders Association, said the ripple effect of the decision has enormous consequences in the town: “It provides employment for so many people.

“There are people who aren't in a position to take up full time roles and Center Parcs provides them with part time jobs. It's great to see how it has stimulated the local economy.”

Ms White believes there are other benefits to the decision: “There have been great infrastructure improvements around the town, for example on the roads and the gas network. I think overall it has given Ballymahon a good name. It really has put us on the map.

“When people think of Center Parcs they think of Ballymahon, they both go hand in hand, which is great.”

The Ballymahon Traders Association PRO says the town is bucking a national trend: “There are towns up and down the country that have become very quiet in the last few years, Ballymahon is the opposite. It's become a vibrant centre of population. We are lucky, there have been a number of new businesses opening.

“People are taking a chance because Center Parcs is here. Monday to Friday you see the cars with the bikes on the back and you know where they are going. It's very positive,” Ms White said.

In a statement to the Longford Leader a Center Parcs spokesperson said: “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.

“Since opening in 2019, Longford Forest has become a favourite destination for Irish families and this decision is great news for the county of Longford, the wider Midlands region and for Irish domestic tourism.”

The spokesperson concluded by saying: “In due course we will progress work on the development in accordance with the conditions laid out by the planning authorities. We would like to thank Longford County Council for their ongoing support in this matter.”

The financial benefits of the plans is estimated to lead to an increase of €27 million per annum to Irish GDP.

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