Center Parcs CEO thrilled with success of Longford resort as €100m expansion gets underway

Center Parcs Longford Forest are pressing ahead with a major investment in their only Irish resort, near Ballymahon.

Three hundred jobs will be created during the construction of the major development at Center Parcs Longford Forest, with 250 permanent jobs once operational.

The €100 million new development will consist of 198 additional lodges, including four luxury treehouses, a new restaurant, an additional coffee house, an extension to existing restaurants, leisure and car park facilities, and the creation of additional treatment rooms and treetop sauna at the Aqua Sana spa and swimming pool.

The expansion marks its fifth year operating in Ireland in July.

Measures will also be put in place at all facilities to reduce energy consumption, including the use of high efficiency LED lighting.

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Low flow outlets will also be utilised throughout the development to reduce water consumption.

Construction will be completed in stages, starting in September.

During an online press briefing on Thursday last, Center Parcs executives outlined their ambitious plans for the resort.
Colin McKinley, CEO of Center Parcs said that, “we are thrilled with the success of our Longford resort.”

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“We are delighted to announce this expansion,” he added.

The CEO emphasised the large numbers of locals employed in the resort. “60% of the team working in the resort are from Co. Longford,” he explained.

Mr McKinlay, remarked, "We are delighted to announce that following several years of planning, we will commence work on our expansion of Longford Forest this autumn. 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.

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"Speaking of hearts, 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. We are thrilled to be able to create even more opportunities for them and boost the local economy further."

Another Center Parcs executive, Simon Kay, emphasised that there will be minimal disruption to guests during the expansion work.

“We have no intention of closing the village. There will be little to no disruption to guests while the work is ongoing. We have done this many times. We have expanded successfully,” he stated.

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“Guests are always at the front of our thoughts. We project the customer experience at all costs,” he added.

Mr Kay went on to tell the briefing that, “there is a huge level of customer loyalty, with 60% of customers returning to stay again.”

Reacting to rumours of a possible sale of Center Parcs, Mr Kay commented that, “that is a question for shareholders. Last year wasn’t the right time.”

Mr Kay added that luxury treehouses will be part of the expanded Center Parcs. “These treehouses offer quality and space and will include a games room and a steam room,” he stated.

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