THE most recent CSO survey shows that the largest increase in the volume of retail sales between November 2005 and January 2006 was in the furniture and lighting sector . . . all demonstrating the huge growth in interior design.

Two new consultancy services are being launched in response to the demand for qualified residential and commercial designers.

The Interiors' Association will represent the growing body of professionals in the area, acting as a focal point for businesses, firsttime buyers and homeowners generally who need advice or a full design service.

A number of designers and interiors' architects make up the new association including Elaine Butler, Edge Design; Mary Ryder; Sarah Cruise; Orla Mahon and Hilary Duffy to name just a few, and the new service goes nationwide on 16 May.

Homeowners who want to tackle the task themselves, but armed with professional skills, may be interested in another new consultancy service, this time offering short interior design courses.

The Design Network, aimed specifically at homeowners, has just been launched.

Founder Siobhan von Engelbrechten has already run 30 courses in various parts of Ireland, guiding students through the interior design process with regard to their own properties, equipping them to make informed choices and avoid costly mistakes.

These courses are available at over 60 locations nationwide, priced at an average 120 (contact 046 9551957 for further information).

Energy inDonegal home

HARKIN Homes is selling a once-off newly-built, eco-friendly house at Garvagh, Barnesmore, Co Donegal. Overlooking Lough Eske, this house has great views and is in a lovely rural setting, while Donegal town is just five miles away.

With a floor area of 217sq m (2,336sq ft), this is a spacious traditionalstyle home and comprises a hall, large livingroom with open-plan kitchen cum diningroom. All four bedrooms are good-sized doubles, while two of the rooms have en-suite bathrooms and dressingrooms.

The house has been designed and built to make it highly energyefficient, and a geothermal underfloor heating system has been installed, which works on the basis that heat is drawn from the earth's core.

Price region is 425,000. Further information from Harkin Homes 074-49841.

Record sale for Kildare farm land

PRICES for farm land reached new heights last week when 15 acres of purely agricultural land at Laragh, Co Kildare, sold for 1.2m, amounting to 80,000 per acre.

Selling agents Coonan Real Estate Alliance sold the property at auction, having offered them in three lots.

However the property was sold in one entire lot of 15 acres, and while the guide had been set at 900,000, five active bidders saw the property quickly rise to the final price of 1.2m.