An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission for the development of Center Parcs' first holiday village in Ireland.

Center Parcs will develop a 395-acre site near Ballymahon in Co Longford.

The village is to be called 'Center Parcs Longford Forest' and will have capacity for up to 2,500 guests. It is expected to open its doors in 2019.

The new holiday village will incorporate 470 Lodges and 30 apartments in natural surroundings, with more than 100 indoor and outdoor family activities, a spa, a range of restaurants, shops and cafés and the iconic Subtropical Swimming Paradise.

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The village is expected to have a significant economic impact on Co Longford, the wider Midlands region of Ireland as well as on the national economy. It is estimated that it will add €1 billion to Ireland's GDP over a 20 year period.

The project will see approximately 750 jobs generated during construction with a further 1,000 permanent roles created once operational.

Center Parcs CEO Martin Dalby said: "Today's announcement marks another significant milestone in the history of Center Parcs. Since we announced our intention to bring the Center Parcs experience to Ireland last year, we have been overwhelmed by the support we have received, both at local and national level. We have experienced unrivalled success for almost 30 years in the UK, providing high quality family short breaks and I'm extremely excited by the prospect of taking our fantastic brand to Ireland."

(MH/LM)