Longford Forest only Center Parcs planned for Ireland

Fine Gael TD for Longford/Westmeath, James Bannon this week visited Woburn Forest, the Center Parcs complex in Bedfordshire which is similar in size to the planned Longford Forest in Ballymahon.

“During my visit to Woburn Forest, I met with Center Parcs CEO Martin Dalby who confirmed to me that Longford Forest is the only Center Parcs currently planned for Ireland. Center Parcs is set to create 1,000 local jobs for the Ballymahon, Longford, Athlone and Mullingar areas, as well as 750 jobs during construction.

“While at Woburn Forest I met with the local council and businesses who confirmed that since the complex opened business in the area has grown by 35%, with extra staff being recruited as a result. I expect that Longford Forest will have a similar impact on the local economy here and that on top of the 1,000 direct jobs we can expect many more in local businesses that will be positively impacted by the passing trade.

“Longford Forest will provide a massive boost to the local economy and I am confident that it will attract families from all parts of the country who will come to this top quality complex to spend time together and to enjoy the facilities.

“My visit to Woburn Forest highlighted to me again the value that Longford Forest will bring to the region. I look forward to the development and to the opening of what I am sure will be a major attraction.”