Center Parcs has been given planning permission for a massive holiday village in County Longford.

Longford County Council has given the go-ahead for the €233m development.

Up to 1,000 jobs will be created once Center Parcs Longford Forest is up and running, with a further 750 during construction.

The holiday village near Ballymahon, which is due to open in three years time, is expected to attract 250 thousand visitors each year.

“This is a very important milestone for Center Parcs and we would like to thank Longford County Council for having the confidence in our proposal to grant planning permission,” said Martin Dalby, Center Parcs CEO.

“Engagement and dialogue with the local community in Ballymahon and the wider Longford area has been an important part of our approach, and will continue during the next steps of the planning process.

“The positive outcome recognises the transformative impact Center Parcs Longford Forest will have on the midlands region in terms of jobs, tourism and wider economic benefits,” he added.