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Center Parcs unveils plans for Ireland's biggest waterpark
Center Parcs has unveiled plans to open a new waterpark destination at its site in Longford, Ireland, with the new attraction to open its doors in Q3 2019.
Called Subtropical Swimming Paradise, the waterpark will be the largest in the country when it opens next year, covering 3,500sq m (37,674sq ft).
Among its features, the attraction will include a Tropical Cyclone water slide, a family raft ride, a two-seater slide reaching speeds of up to 45kmph (28mph), and the Twister – a family slide. The waterpark will also include a family wave pool, wild water rapids, children’s water play areas, whirlpools. Amenities will include a private family cabana, a café and a bar.
The attraction was revealed in a team up with artists Jessica and Faolán Farrell, who built a model version of the waterpark from more than 55,000 Lego bricks.
"Center Parcs Longford Forest will revolutionise the short-break market for Irish families," said Martin Dalby, Center Parcs CEO.
"There won't be a better place to spend those cold winter days than in our Subtropical Swimming Paradise.
"We're still on track to open next summer, and we expect to release earlier arrival dates in the new year."
The Emerald Isle's first Center Parcs resort was greenlit in July 2016, with the under-development €230m (US$261m, £205m) holiday attraction to have a capacity of up to 2,500 guests and will employ around 1,000 people.
Set in 395 acres (1.6sq km) of forest land near the village of Ballymahon, the new resort will also include a spa, restaurants and shops. 470 lodges and 30 apartments will house guests in the natural forest setting.
According to Center Parcs, the economic value of the attraction will be significant for both County Longford and the wider Midlands region of Ireland, with an estimated €1bn (US$1.1bn, £891m) being added to the national GDP over the course of the next two decades.