Center Parcs has confirmed plans to open a £150 million holiday park in the Republic of Ireland by 2019.

It aims to build 500 lodges in Longford Forest, in Leinster province, in what would be the largest tourism development in the Republic.

Planning proposals were revealed at a community meeting in the area yesterday, six months after plans for the 375-acre site in the heart of Ireland were first announced.

Center Parcs is aiming to submit a planning application to Longford County Council by the end of October. If is successful in gaining planning permission, it estimates it will create 750 jobs and boost the Irish economy by €1 billion over 20 years.