Center Parcs Resort for Longford

Absolutely fantastic news for Longford! Biggest jobs boost since Abbott healthcare?

I can't get over how great this is for Longford!

All the same if you read the comments on social media and on other threads there is a horrendous amount of begrudgerry and mocking of Longford by those outside the county

ratracer wrote: »

I'm not from anywhere near Longford, but I really hope this goes ahead. However I fear all the 'environ mentalists' and tree huggers are gonna cause havoc with planning, building etc.... 'Not in my forest'

If they do I'll come back from the UK and tell em to eff off from my old running track

Fuzzy Clam wrote: »

I presume it means that those of us that use the woods for walking will no longer be allowed to once the state owned woods have been sold to a private entity.

Hi Fuzzy, it's gonna change abit alright, see the new green path around the perimeter (outside) on the map here, Number 4



That's the new walk they are (supposedly) gonna make to keep the local riff-raff away from the high end clientele they are expecting to fill the uber expensive Cabins during the WK.


Now, this lot,


after their jolly boys paid for outing will probably agree to anything after their few days away so you'd be needing to check if that remains when the planning permission goes in...you'd imagine it'd be a first thing on the list/basic requirement for local access to remain but with this country nowadays...:rolleyes:

Centre Parcs are back in Ballymahon on the 7th and 8th Sep so you'd could go and have a chat/look at the Model they're supposed to be bringing but again they'll promise the moon and Stars for now if it means getting permission.

What is your problem with Longford? Do you even know anything about the actual location this is being built? I do as I grew up next to it and it will be a fantastic location for it.

I've seen people saying all sorts recently about centre parcs coming. I think it is great and can't wait for it to open. I think the jobs that will come from building and jobs from when it opens are huge boost. I feel the amount of visitors to Ireland and Longford will benefit the country and local businesses too.

The locals don't know what they've given up..& can never get back for future generations. Shame on a town that has no confidence in itself.

Graham wrote: »

They've 'given-up' hundreds of unemployed people.

How about if the town had seen its own potential? The forest, canal and river have always been here - & free to enjoy. A huge part of Ballymahons' charm is its pristine scenery . The Traders & towns people could have come together and promoted its central location as one where tourists could go mountain biking, trail walking, camping, kayaking, horse-back riding, birdwatching and fishing. All could have supported genuine local employment.
They could have promoted their fresh grown produce in restaurants and shops, with a huge focus on healthy lifestyles. In these times of concern regarding mental health not to mention growing concerns over physical health, free outdoor space is a commodity which we should be trying to hold on to- not sell off.
The forest here has always been beautiful and here for anyone to enjoy- some people don't see the value of a thing until a price tag is slapped onto it.
The people here could have created jobs based on the lifestyle of being able to just drive to the forest and pitch a tent wherever your fancy. Hunting and fishing is regulated and local fauna protected from over hunting, but the activities are practiced, and there some beautiful areas in which to enjoy them. Furthermore, the town should have independently done these things. In center parcs, you eat there and sleep there. It's an absolute shame that the town has allowed itself to be exploited. The potential for local run hotels and eateries here would the been incredible. Marketed as the heart of ireland where the focus was on health, well-being, quality of life, education and art and free space. Available to all. You will not be permitted to set foot in the forest now unless you pay to stay at least one night thanks to Centre Parcs means greed.

Just wondering, Graham, have you been in the forest? Why would paths around the perimeter improve things for the locals? It's a forest. I have familirised myself with the plans. And I know how well how they have been presented in a misleading light.
As I said, the people here have no confidence in their own abilities and in what was to offer here. That's what's upsetting. They will allow a few make a lot of money from what was once theirs while they are expected to be grateful for minimum wage.

I agree that feeding, clothing, housing are the most important thing for the locals here. I'm saying that this was possible without turning to a faceless corporation to do it for the town - making those at the top incredibly wealthy.

Why wasn't it done before? There was a recession. Now health and wellbeing tourism is about to be a huge industy.

I'm saying employment should have been created here locally. Without giving up the local commodities to a huge company.

Families should have free open space. Not just some rusty swings and a green beside a drive way. That's healthy for body and mind. Not everything you have to pay for is what makes gives you a sense of happiness and makes your life enjoyable.

I think we're agreed in what the town needs - employment & security. Had you not been so intent on arguing for arguments sake you may have noticed that. I just believe there was another way to go about it.

Centre Parcs signed for the purchase of 400 acres from Coillte at Ballymahon yesterday so it looks like the development is definitely going ahead!

Yeah, was back home over the weekend, and was out that way visiting relatives. Good to see the wheels firmly in motion.