Center Parcs is to create more than 500 new jobs in Ireland as part of a €100 million expansion.

The holiday company says construction on the new development at its Longford Forest resort will begin in September.

It includes the addition of 198 lodges which will increase its capacity to approximately 3,500.

Lodges at the Longford Forest resort. Image: Center Parcs

Existing facilities will also be developed, including a new restaurant, coffee house and leisure and car park facilities.

Its main swimming pool is also being expanded as is its Aqua Sana spa, which will feature a new treetop sauna.

A total of 300 jobs will be created during construction with a further 250 permanent jobs once it is operational.

Treetop sauna at the Longford Forest resort. Image: Center Parcs

The announcement comes just weeks before the company marks five years’ operating in Ireland this July.

Center Parcs Ireland and UK CEO Colin McKinlay said the development has been planned for years.

"We are delighted to announce that following several years of planning, we will commence work on our expansion of Longford Forest this autumn," he said.

"Year on year, we have seen an increase in the number of guests we have welcomed to Longford Forest and many returning families," he added.

The company says its Longford Forest resort generated €58 million for the Irish economy in the last 12 months alone.

It has also generated €44m within Co Longford and created over 1,300 jobs.

Main image: The subtropical swimming pool at the Longford Forest resort. Image: Center Parcs