Center Parcs €100m new development to begin construction in September

An approved €100 million development for Center Parcs in Longford will begin construction in September, the family holiday resort has announced.

Construction of the development will create 300 jobs, and a further 250 permanent jobs will be generated once operational.

Plans for an addition to the resort’s already highly popular facilities have focused on sustainability and protection of the local environment, with an air source heat pump-led network will power newly constructed lodges.

READ MORE: Irish Mirror goes on patrol with the Air Corps’ new €120million eye in the sky

READ MORE: Brick thrown through bus from Dublin Airport to Belfast as investigation launched

The development itself will see the building 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. Existing facilities will 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 iconic Subtropical Swimming Paradise.

At Aqua Sana, the spa will be expanded to include new treatment rooms and a brand-new luxurious Treetop Sauna, bringing Aqua Sana’s incredible spa experiences to new heights.

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 on the village will be powered with electric technologies including solar PV. Low flow outlets will also be utilised throughout the development to reduce water consumption.

The announcement comes just weeks before the resort celebrates five years in operation in Ireland, establishing itself as a staple in the domestic tourism market with a consistent 99% occupancy rate in its accommodation facilities. In the 12 months between April 2023 and April 2024 alone, Center Parcs Longford Forest generated €58 million for the Irish economy, €23 million in Exchequer revenue and welcomed 260,700 guests.

It has generated 1,300 jobs in Longford and contributed €44 million in local revenue. The resort employs people from Longford and the surrounding counties, with 60% of its employees hailing from Longford.

Center Parcs UK & Ireland’s CEO, Colin McKinlay, said: “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.

He continued: “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.”

You can learn more about Center Parcs by clicking here.

Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.