We are delighted to confirm that we have formally marked the start of the £210 million (€233 million) Center Parcs Longford Forest development in Ireland, on which we are appointed as Project and Cost Manager and M&E Engineer, with a sod turning and tree planting event.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was joined by Center Parcs’ CEO Martin Dalby, our Managing Director David Stevenson and our Project Director Ross Crowcroft as he planted an oak tree on site on Friday.
Center Parcs plans to create up to 1,000 permanent full and part-time jobs once the resort opens, in addition to the 750 temporary positions that are due to come on stream during the construction phase.
Mr Varadkar said of the project: “This exciting development by Center Parcs represents a significant investment in the Irish economy, and especially in tourism. The investment is almost certainly the biggest in the region’s history.”
Martin Dalby added: “We have always said this project would have a transformative effect on the midlands region and we have already seen signs of the positive economic impact Center Parcs is having on the area“.
David Stevenson went on to say, “I am delighted that, with all principal contract tenders now received, the scheme remains on budget despite the heat in the Irish market and volatility in the exchange rates – a credit to our commercial team. Preparation works are well underway, with trees felled, our road network established and lodge foundations and utilities installation ongoing. The site is fully established to receive the lodge and central facilities contractors and we are confident that we will be able to deliver the scheme on time and to budget as achieved with Center Parcs Woburn Forest.”