The new launch at Adamstown Square, in the west Dublin suburb, sees 265 units go on sale, including 37 apartments and 10 luxurious townhouses in the Sentinel Building.

Whether or not this new launch sells out with quite the same frenzy as last year shouldn't have prospective buyers or property speculators too concerned though.

Adamstown is already a success and time will hold it up as a model for future development. The first scheme in the government's Strategic Development Zone initiative represents a new era of planning. What developers are building here is not just homes with a shopping centre tagged on to them but a self-contained, sustainable town; a real community complete with every amenity on the doorstep - including schools, shops, offices, leisure facilities, cafes, bars, a library, crA"ches and parks.

Homes have been built in tandem with infrastructure. The road network is taking shape within Adamstown and a new QBC will open shortly. A train station bringing commuters direct to Heuston in just 15 minutes will open on 10 April and the first primary school will open in September.

What makes this new launch at Adamstown Square special is that developers Castlethorn Construction have placed a heavy emphasis on family living with 60% of the homes on offer boasting three and four bedrooms.

There's also a choice of one-, twoand three-bed apartments with prices to suit all pockets. The look created by Murray O'Laoire and Anthony Reddy (who are designing the Sentinel Building) is decidedly different to Adamstown Castle.

In a market where location and pricing is crucial it is also interesting to note that while prices are up by 5% to 10% on last year, entry level prices have not shifted, with one-bed apartments available from Euro280,000 Househunters looking for lots of added extras will not be disappointed either. Included in the purchase price is a choice of four different kitchen designs, floor and wall tiling in the bathrooms and en-suites, built-in wardrobes in all bedrooms, a choice of fireplaces in the townhouses and all homes are wired for Smart technology. Kitchen appliances will also be included for those who return contacts within 21 days.

To get a feel of what you'll actually be buying into, Gunne New Homes has five show units on display - two three-bed duplexes from Adamstown Square and three at the existing show village in Adamstown Castle.

The two at the Square - the M type and the J type - have been designed by Janet Nash and Insitu Design and boast good-sized rooms, lots of natural light thanks to bigger than average windows, actual storage rooms - not alcoves - and generous en-suites, as big as some family bathrooms.

All two-bed homes at the development come with en-suites, all ground floor duplexes have trellised gardens, second/third floor duplexes have balconies and townhouses come with private back gardens.

Need to know

Price: one-bed apartments from Euro280,000; two-beds from Euro300,000; three-beds from Euro345,000; two-bed duplex from Euro330,000; three-bed duplex from Euro345,000; four-bed townhouse from Euro495,000 Size of unit: one-bed apartments from 48-67sq m; two-beds from 65-84sq m; three-beds from 89-103sq m; two-bed duplexes from 81-89sq m; three-bed duplexes from 97-112sq m; four-bed townhouse from 124-146sq m Standard features: choice of four kitchen styles, bathroom wall and floor tiling, "replaces in townhouses, built-in wardrobes in all bedrooms, wired for Smart technology Size of development: 265 three- and four-bed units and mix of one-, two- and three-bed apartments at Adamstown Square, including 47 units at the Sentinel Building On-site facilities: Adamstown train station will open on 10 April; the first primary school will open in September Completion date: homes will be ready for occupation in 18 months Transport links: The development is serviced by buses and there will be a train direct to Heuston Station Distance from Dublin: 10 miles; 15 minutes from Heuston by train; a further 10 minutes to O'Connell Street by Luas Agent: Gunne New Homes, 01- 628 2332; www. adamstown. info