However, the accounts, for the year ended 30 April last show that pre-tax profits at the company fell by almost 3m.

Barina Construction, which is jointly owned by Michael and Niall Langan, is behind numerous high-profile housing developments including Seabrook Manor in Portmarnock, Co Dublin, Deerpark Court in Blessington, Co Wicklow and Hamilton Hall in Dunboyne, Co Meath.

According to the accounts, the company made a pre-tax profit of over 18.9m in the 12 months to 30 April 2006, compared to 21.7m the previous year.

The drop in profits was due to a fall of 1.8m in the firm's gross profits, combined with a rise in costs of 1.2m. However, the value of the 'sites on hand' to the firm rose significantly to 82.4m compared to 38.4m the previous year.

The value of the firm's 'work in progress' also rose during the year, from 14.3m at the end of April 2005, to 19.7m a year later.

The accounts show that, despite the high level of accumulated profits, the firm's owners did not receive a dividend.

A note in the accounts states that Barina's directors plan to continue "with the company's building programme so as to strengthen the company's trading position".

Barina's current developments are the Primrose Gate in Celbridge, Co Kildare and Mayeston Hall in Dublin 11.

The firm also has plans to develop an apartment block at Dorset Street in Dublin city centre.