An Bord Pleanála is expected to announce on Wednesday the outcome of an appeal on the €232 million Center Parcs holiday village in Co Longford.
Approval for the Center Parcs Longford Forest could lead to the creation of 1,000 permanent jobs along with an additional 750 temporary posts during construction at the site near Ballymahon.
While An Bord Pleanála has not publicly revealed the decision it made in relation to three appeals on Tuesday, it is believed the planning authority has ruled in favour of the developers, with a number of additional conditions.
An Bord Pleanála was initially expected to announce the decision on Monday but it is understood deliberations over the number of lodges may have delayed the decision.
Center Parcs is planning to build the holiday village on a 395 acre site at Newcastle Wood. The plans include 470 lodges, 30 apartments, a spa, shops, restaurants and cafes, along with a Subtropical Swimming Paradise featuring water rides .
Longford County Council conditionally approved the development last February but the appeals were subsequently lodged with An Bord Pleanála.
The development, which could accommodate 2,500 guests, is expected to be completed in 2019 if approved.
Independent Alliance TD for Longford-Westmeath Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran said he was hopeful the plans would be approved. He described the scheme as “the biggest thing that ever, ever hit Longford.”
Mr Moran said the development would have a hugely positive impact not just on Longford, but on the whole midland region and Ireland.
“People are on edge over this. They are excited and they are anxious too,” Mr Moransaid. “Longford has one of the highest rates of unemployment in the country, that’s how big this is. It’s a major decision for the people of Longford and Ballymahon.”
Independent Councillor Gerry Warnock described the development as a “game changer” for Longford. While he had no official word of the decision, he said, “indications look certain that there’s a positive result.”
He said the development is “possibly the single biggest thing to happen in the Longford/Westmeath constituency.” He praised the work of Longford County Council’s executive who “were working hard behind the scenes” when Center Parcs initially showed an interest in Longford.