Ireland's answer to the UK's ever popular subtropical family holiday resorts; Longford Center Parcs will open in three years time.
The project finally got the go-ahead today, with An Bord Pleanala granting permission for a €233m holiday village in Newcastle Wood, Ballymahon.
More than 750 people will be hired to build the vast development and more than 1,000 permanent roles will be created on staff when the doors open in 2019.
A whopping 470 lodges and 30 apartments will be built on the site to accommodate guests, who will be able to choose from 100 activities. A glass-roofed swimming pool (a balmy 30C inside) festooned with water slides of varying shapes and sizes will be one of the main attractions, as well as an entertainment hall, and various restaurants will offer a wealth of dining options for visitors.
Activities on offer are expected to be similar to those offered in other Center Parcs resorts, ranging from archery and bicycle treasure hunts to aerial tree trecking, falconry and nature walks.
Parents will be well catered for too; Center Parcs resorts are equipped with Aqua Sana spas to lounge away an afternoon in as well as exercise classes, tennis courts, restaurants and cafes.
Longford County Council originally granted planning permission last February, but Center Parcs have only now been green-lit for go ahead with the project provided they adhere to 20 conditions laid out in the
An Bord Pleanala ruling. The company will also fund the €1m construction of a new road providing access to the area.
So there you have it, we're about to have a little slice of woodland paradise right on our very doorsteps. However, even after adding in the cost of flights it may still be cheaper to holiday abroad.
The cost of renting a three-bedroom Woodland Lodge in Center Parcs Whinfell Forest, Cumbria midweek (Monday to Friday) is £1,199 (€1,337) - and that's before you factor in food, drinks and activities.
