Delays in the €100m expansion by Center Parcs to create of 198 lodges, a lakeside restaurant, a coffee shop, and an extension of existing facilities have been criticised by local politicians and community groups.
Plans were initially approved by the local authority, but two appeals lodged with the independent planning authority, An Bord Pleanála, have resulted in a delay in the decision-making process.
The prolonged waiting period is attributed to staff shortages within An Bord Pleanála and a backlog of cases yet to be determined. The extension is calculated to provide €27m a year to the local and wider economy.
Local politicians and business groups are critical of the delay, as the expansion is seen as crucial for boosting the local economy, creating jobs, and supporting the community.
The uncertainty surrounding the decision has raised concerns about the impact on Center Parcs, housing construction, and job creation, emphasizing the need for a more efficient mechanism for handling planning concerns in a timely manner.
Cathaoirleach of Ballymahon Municipal District Cllr Paul Ross said “the current situation is ridiculous with still no timeline for a decision. The town of Ballymahon and the county in general has prospered over the last number of years since the opening of the park. The proposed extension will bring initially construction jobs to the area and then increase the existing 1200 jobs to over 1500 jobs when fully finished.
“These decisions are not only affecting Center Parcs, we have also seen delays in construction of houses and delaying the creation of jobs in areas that need them and they need to bring forward a mechanism that can deal with legitimate planning concerns in a timely manner.
Chairman of Ballymahon Traders Association, John Byrne said ““ee really need this expansion to go ahead. It’s so important for the community and for jobs that it will create both on the build part and extra capacity when it opens. The whole business community and the community in general has always been behind Center Parcs in terms of supporting them in what they are doing out there.
