Center Parcs build to begin this Spring
Construction on the massive €230m Center Parcs resort near Ballymahon will begin in the spring of next year, the company confirmed at a community reception in the town on Monday, writes Deirdre Verney.
A large number of public representatives, traders and local people crowded into the old courtroom of Ballymahon Library to welcome Center Parcs CEO Martin Dalby and other company representatives, back to the town for the first time since the massive tourism project got planning approval back in July.
Following a tour of the Newcastle Wood site earlier that morning, special guest Minister for Jobs Mary Mitchell O’Connor hailed the holiday village project, which is the largest tourism development in the history of the State, as “truly transformative” for the entire Midlands region.
Hugely thankful of the local and national support so far for what he predicted will be “an iconic project”, Martin Dalby, CEO of Center Parcs, reminded people that it was just 18 months ago when they acquired the option on the Newcastle Wood site, and to achieve full planning permission in such a “record time” was a first for the company.
“I know this project will not just be transformational not just for Ballymahon, or the region, but on a national scale,” he stressed, thanking everyone who has got them to this stage.
The Longford Forest development is to include 470 lodges, 30 apartments, a spa, restaurants, cafes and a wide selection of shops, and an indoor swimming facility. It will have a capacity for 2,500 guests.
“In many ways the hard work starts now. But rest assured we have assembled a Center Parcs team fit for purpose and they are raring to go,” he said, adding that people will soon begin to see an increase in on-site activity around the woodland shortly.
“Over the coming weeks on-site activity will increase as site surveys continue and the perimeter path construction will commence. It is then expected construction work will commence in spring of next year... and we remain committed to opening the park in 2019,” Mr Dalby continued.
Approximately 750 jobs will be created during the construction phase of the massive project, with 1,000 permanent jobs expected once it comes into full operation in 2019. Mr Dalby said he expects the majority of the posts to be filled by local people.
Engagement with the local community has been a big feature of the project to date and that will continue, he vowed.
“I’m today delighted to announce that a Community Forum will be established with stakeholder representatives to ensure this engagement continues right through the build period and then beyond into opening. Further details and invitations will be issued shortly. The first meeting will be convened in the next few weeks.”
Center Parcs is also planning a series of workshops in November for local traders and suppliers to explain the recruitment and business engagement process and what opportunities the massive development will have for them going forward.