An Taoiseach marks completion of Longford Forest
An Taoiseach, Mr. Leo Varadkar T.D., today officially marked the completion of our landmark €233 million forest resort. 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 €32m 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.”