Construction of development at Center Parcs in September

Construction on a €100m new development at Center Parcs in Longford is set to get under way in September.

The development includes the addition of 198 lodges, treehouses, increasing the capacity of the resort to approximately 3,500 guests per break.

The company said 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 the Subtropical Swimming Paradise.

The spa at Center Parcs will also be expanded to include new treatment rooms.

The UK firm said a total of 300 jobs will be created during construction, and approximately a further 250 permanent jobs once operational.

The company said sustainability and protecting the local environment have been 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.

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 Center Parcs celebrates five years’ operating in Ireland this July.

The park in Ballymahon has helped drive growth in the domestic tourism market. In the 12 months between April 2023 and April 2024, Center Parcs Longford Forest generated €58 million for the Irish economy, €23 million in Exchequer revenue and welcomed 260,700 guests.

Locally, the resort has generated €44 million within Longford and created over 1300 jobs. Of those employed, 60% are from County Longford, and a further 36% reside in neighbouring counties.

Center Parcs 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.