Construction BUSINESS

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell O’Connor believes that the small town of Ballymahon in Co Longford is set to be the focal point as the midlands undergoes a “transformative economic impact” with the Center Parcs €233 million investment.

An update on the massive project was provided at a special community reception in Ballymahon, which was attended by the Minister and CEO of Center Parcs Martin Dalby.

Center Parcs has confirmed that it will work with local community representatives to establish a forum to ensure ongoing and open communication throughout the construction and development process.

The group also confirmed that approximately 750 jobs will be created during the construction phase, with an opening date set for 2019. Upon its launch, the forest holiday village will be able to accommodate up to 2,500 guests with up to 1,000 permanent jobs to be filled from employees based in the region, and primarily between the ages of 18 and 24.

It is believed that the holiday park will add approximately €32 million a year to Ireland’s GDP.

Martin Dalby said: “As we enter this next phase, we are one step closer to the economic transformation of the midlands and sharing the Center Parcs experience with families throughout Ireland. Our commitments to the local community and our neighbours here in Ballymahon will remain at the core of the project through our new Center Parcs Community Forum.”

Minister Mitchell O’Connor added: “I am especially enthusiastic about Center Parcs Longford Forest because it is a new and innovative tourism project based on a successful UK model. I look forward to seeing the development of Center Parcs Longford Forest over the coming months and years.”