Troy welcomes Center Parcs investment announcement

Published on: 01 April 2015


Fianna Fáil TD for Longford – Westmeath Robert Troy has welcomed the announcement that one of Europe’s largest holiday resort firms, Center Parcs, is to invest €100m in a new complex in Longford.

Deputy Troy commented, “The announcement is a huge boost to Longford and the wider Midlands Region. Center Parcs is looking to create up to 600 jobs during construction with a further 500 permanent jobs being put in place once the complex opens.

“This is the first major jobs announcement by the government in Longford since it came to office. The government seems to only have recently woken up to the need for greater regional balance in investment patterns.

“This investment highlights the potential that exists to grow the tourism industry in Longford over the coming years. We have a unique landscape on offer in the Midlands Region that can be marketed to people across Europe. The government and industry stakeholders need to work hard to realise this potential.

“The government, along with Longford County Council, need to ensure there is an efficient planning process to support this investment. There is potential to attract further investment in the future so it is important the process is handled correctly.

Deputy Troy also emphasised the importance of Coillte to the Irish economy and the need to further develop the company in the coming years.

“The announcement also underlines the strategic importance of Coillte to the state. Reports indicate that Center Parcs is looking to lease hundreds of acres of mature and semi-mature forestry at Newscastle. This represents a significant income stream for Coillte and by extension the entire country will benefit.

“There is significant potential to grow Coillte in the coming years by attracting companies such as Center Parcs to enter into long term leasing arrangements and developing renewable energy centres.

“The government needs to recognise the strategic importance of Coillte and ensure that it remains in the hands of the Irish people” said Deputy Troy.

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