Tree cheers as An Taoiseach marks historic completion of €233m Center Parcs Longford Forest

An Taoiseach, Mr. Leo Varadkar T.D., today officially marked the completion of the landmark €233 million forest resort; Center Parcs Longford Forest. 

Following an almost two-year construction process, Center Parcs Longford Forest has been delivered on schedule and within budget.

Center Parcs Longford Forest will add an entirely new dimension to Ireland’s tourism and leisure market with its all-year-round short breaks. The resort will welcome its first guests in Ireland in the coming weeks, with final preparations underway in earnest.

During construction Center Parcs created over 750 jobs. As it now enters the operational phase, a further 1,000 permanent Center Parcs jobs have been created in County Longford. The resort will provide a €32 million annual boost to Ireland’s economy, adding an estimated €1 billion to GDP in the coming 20 years.

Set amongst 400 acres of beautiful Irish woodland, the resort includes 466 self-catering lodges and 30 apartments. Center Parcs Longford Forest will welcome up to 2,500 guests during each short break, with three types of lodges for families to choose from – Woodland, Executive and Exclusive. Each of the fully equipped lodges are designed with families in mind and offer the ultimate in comfort and quality. Center Parcs’ lodges are the perfect home away from home.

Speaking as he officially marked the completion of the €233 million Center Parcs Longford Forest, An Taoiseach, Mr. Leo Varadkar, T.D. said: “Eighteen months after turning the sod here in Newcastle Wood, I’m really pleased to be back for the official opening of Ireland’s first Center Parcs. This huge tourism development has the potential to be a game changer for the Midlands. It will bring unprecedented numbers of tourists to this beautiful part of the country and the €233 million investment which has been made by the company in Longford is almost certainly the largest in the county’s history.

“The creation of 1,000 new jobs will have a positive impact across the region and indeed it was a pleasure to meet some of the new employees here today. The Irish tourism industry has grown steadily in recent years and this addition to our tourism offering will ensure visitors get to experience a part of the country they may otherwise have missed. I wish everyone at Center Parcs well as they prepare to welcome their first visitors from across Ireland and further afield in the coming weeks.”

Martin Dalby, CEO of Center Parcs, said: “Four years since we announced our plans to expand into Ireland, we all feel an enormous sense of pride and achievement to see the beautiful surroundings of Newcastle Wood transformed into Center Parcs Longford Forest and for Ireland’s families to finally have the opportunity to enjoy a unique forest resort experience.

"This is a great day for Center Parcs and I want to thank our construction partners Sisk and Roadbridge for helping us to bring our vision to life. Our full team is now in place and are very excited about extending a warm Irish welcome to our guests. I would also like to thank the community of Longford for supporting our journey so far. We look forward to continuing to enhance the community and economy around us here in the Midlands for very many years to come.”

Mary Buckley, Executive Director of IDA Ireland, said: “Center Parcs Longford Forest has provided a major jobs boost for the Midlands region and will provide a significant contribution to Ireland’s economy and tourism and leisure market. IDA Ireland is pleased to support Center Parcs and I would like to congratulate its leadership team and 1,000 employees on the delivery of this significant €233 million investment project.”

Center Parcs can be enjoyed 365 days of the year, whatever the weather. With more than 100 indoor and outdoor activities to choose from there is plenty to keep the family entertained, from nature activities and new adventures for little ones through to activities designed to be enjoyed together. The jewel in the crown of the resort is the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, which is set to be Ireland’s largest indoor water park and is heated to a tropical 29.5°C all year round.