Quite simply because this attractive scheme of one- and two-bed apartments is aimed at the over 55s.

Aimed specifically at buyers planning to retire over the next decade or so, homes at The Green incorporate a care agreement with the Sue Ryder Foundation based in Kilminchy village, just 200m away, and which allows residents full access to its support network.

A walkway connects the apartments to the centre, where there is a large dining room, library and chapel. A caretaker service, 24-hour security, and fitted panic buttons are all standard features at The Green, and while buyers can be of any age, you must be 55 to live in the development.

Adjacent to a 20-acre parkland, these apartments come with views of the Slieve Bloom mountains, and are beside shops, a pharmacy, restaurant, doctors' surgery, acupuncture clinic, hairdressers and dry cleaners.

Kilminchy is just five minutes' drive from Portlaoise.

Laid out in several twostorey buildings, there are 32 units in all. Good news for people thinking about trading down is that apartments in The Green are larger than average, with one-beds around 65sq m (700sq ft), and two-beds about 93sq m (1,000sq ft).

All ground-floor apartments have large bay windows in the living/dining area, while first-floor units have double doors opening out to good-sized balconies.

Standard features include fitted oak kitchens with integrated appliances, double power showers in en-suite, and full-size bath in the main bathroom.

Living rooms are fitted with fireplaces with gas fire, and all apartments come with designated parking spaces.

Maintenance of common areas, minor repairs and window cleaning are all carried out by the Sue Ryder Foundation, and annual service charges are 2,300.

Price: one-bed apartments from 199,000; two-bed apartments from 220,000 Agent: O'Loughlin Estates, 057-8668079