Center Parcs UK plans opening of first park in Ireland
The 375 acre site at Newcastle Wood outside Ballymahon in County Longford, is expected to open in 2019, subject to receiving planning permission.
Plans for the site, which will have capacity for 2,500 guests and create 1,000 jobs, currently include 500 lodges, 100 indoor and outdoor activities, a spa, restaurants and cafes and a Subtropical Swimming Paradise.
Center Parcs UK chief executive Martin Dalby said: “We are thrilled and excited about the prospect of bringing the Center Parcs concept to families in Ireland.
"This new Center Parcs will have all of the ingredients that have made us so popular with families in the UK for the last 28 years and I am certain that Center Parcs will be a great success in Longford.
"We look forward to liaising closely with the local community during the next few months to fully share our vision and to explain the huge economic and social benefits that a Center Parcs holiday village will bring to the area."
Center Parcs UK currently operates five parks in the UK: Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire; Elveden Forest, Suffolk; Longleat Forest, Wiltshire; Whinfell Forest, Cumbria and Woburn Forest, Bedfordshire.
Last month, addressing Arena members, its UK chairman Martin Robinson said planning restrictions made it difficult for Center Parcs to grow in the UK, but also that it stifled competition.
