Center Parcs announces massive expansion plan creating 550 jobs

Center Parcs has announced plans for significant investment in Longford Forest, costing between €80-85 million and creating 550 new jobs. The resort first opened in July 2019 and has seen huge success amongst Irish holidaymakers. The development announced today is driven by "great confidence in business and Irish domestic tourism market". The project is expected to will create 250 permanent jobs and a further 300 jobs during construction. As part of the planned development, Center Parcs plans to increase the number of lodges and further develop the existing facilities. There will also be an additional four treehouses, each featuring sleeping space for up to eight people, a games den, outdoor hot tub, private parking and a dedicated Treehouse Host for the duration of the break. The development of the existing facilities will see leisure facilities, restaurants and cafés, back of house facilities, the Subtropical Swimming Paradise and Aqua Sana Spa all get a bit of work done. Center Parcs UK & Ireland’s CEO, Martin Dalby, said: “We are thrilled to be announcing our intention to invest further in Center Parcs Longford Forest. Despite a challenging year, we have great confidence in both our business and the Irish domestic tourism market, backed up by our extremely positive forward bookings for the remainder of 2021 and into 2022. “Since we opened, Irish families have really taken Center Parcs to their heart, and we are excited to bring more visitors to this beautiful part of the country and introduce the Center Parcs concept to even more families. “This announcement is great news for County Longford, a significant investment which will generate more local jobs, opportunities for local suppliers, consultants and contractors and a significant boost for the local and regional economy.” Meanwhile, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said: “This is fantastic news for Longford and for the Midlands. Center Parcs is a really valued employer in the area. I know the company has made a huge effort to work with the local community and I’m sure that will continue with this further expansion, which will see €80m-€85m invested, 250 permanent jobs created and a further 300 during construction. I wish the team the very best of luck and thank them for their continued commitment to Ireland.” READ NEXT: Fancy yourself as a reality TV star? Gogglebox Ireland is looking for new faces