The notion that people have to live in brand new developments finally hit home with planners and developers.

From Rockbrook in Sandyford to Heuston South Quarter in the city centre and Clare Village on the northside, the most popular residential schemes had to address the concept of community living.

But while we were wowed by many of the so-called 'new suburbs', each of which promised more exciting streetscapes, shopping boulevards and designer elements than the last, the hands-down winner in terms of new urban development had to be Adamstown.

The government's first strategic development zone (SDZ) at Adamstown set the bar in terms of creating a brand new town at the edge of the city. Situated on a 230 acre greenfield site adjoining the main Dublin-Kildare railway line, 15km west of the city centre, Adamstown differs from other schemes in that development must take place on a phased basis.

"This means that residents can look forward to infrastructure development running in tandem with residential development, " explains Shane Daly of Gunne New Homes.

The selling agent saw phenomenal sales at the launch of Adamstown Castle, the first residential development in Adamstown, when 635 units sold out within three weeks of launch in February.

"It was probably the biggest and most successful launch in 2006, " explains Daly. "Feedback from buyers was very positive, they praised the variety of house types, the finish and the infrastructure."

The first residents who are now moving into Adamstown Castle can look forward to the opening of the train station in March with the primary school on target to open in September 2007. The next stage of infrastructure development will address retail amenities.

"Our aim is to build a sustainable community, " says Ben Brady, Castlethorn Developments. "Adamstown will provide between 8,000-10,000 units and will take 10 years to complete, but in terms of design, it's not just about the start of larger housing developments, it's the start of something big in terms of designing new urban communities for the future."

Comprised of two residential schemes, the second development at Adamstown, The Paddocks, built by Mapelwood Homes also had a very successful launch in October. "We sold over 220 units equating to 80m worth of sales within two weeks, " says Gemma Lanigan of Douglas Newman Good.

"It's essentially a new town and while a lot of the property is aimed at first time buyers, the wide variety of house types will attract all sorts of buyers which will bring a good mix to the community feel, " according to Lanigan. "The development has been planned so that not only will things like public transport, schools and shopping be available to residents while the scheme is being completed, but they will also be within walking distance so that the need for using your car is reduced, making it a very family friendly development."

Two more Strategic Development Zones, one in Navan, the other in Onger, are on track for next year with roll out expected mid-2007.