NATURAL GAS WILL be piped into county Longford for the first time ever after a €3 million deal with Centre Parcs.

The agreement with Gas Networks Ireland will provide heating fuel for the €233 million Longford Forest development.

The new gas network extension will bring natural gas into County Longford for the first time.

Center Parcs CEO, Martin Dalby said the deal secured a key facility for the project, which is set to open in 2019.

“Securing a mains gas supply has always been a fundamental requirement for both the construction and the operation of our village and I am delighted to have finally secured it.

“I have stated from the very outset of this project that Center Parcs would have a transformative effect on both County Longford and the wider Midlands region and it is now up to all the relevant authorities to make sure that the region makes the most of the huge economic benefits that this pipeline and the Center Parcs development will bring.”

CEO of Longford County Council, Paddy Mahon welcomed the announcement.

“Less than 12 months since planning approval we have already seen the many benefits of the Center Parcs development throughout County Longford. Today’s news that Center Parcs are contributing significantly towards bringing the natural gas network to our county represents a major milestone in the economic development of County Longford. The extension of the natural gas network to this holiday village will further enhance the Center Parcs project and ensure its longevity in the Longford region.”

Construction of Longford Forest is now well underway with infrastructure contractor Roadbridge now onsite undertaking earthworks and the construction of road and path networks, utilities, the drainage system, the lake as well as building platforms.

The project is set to employ around 1,000 people when built and will cater for 2,500 guests.

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