The ongoing demand for good industrial units in established locations was demonstrated by the sale of the former Sliderobes unit at Stillorgan Industrial Park which achieved a price in excess of 3.2m. Two adjoining units in the park have now been reserved at similar levels. Unit 55C in the same industrial park also sold in recent weeks for approximately 2m. The 4.3m recently achieved for Unit 3B at Corrig Road in Sandyford is also regarded as a strong price.

"It is clear that many purchasers are paying strong prices for industrial units in established industrial estates in anticipation of longer-term development potential, " said Garrett McClean of CBRE's industrial department. "As well as that, demand from owneroccupiers to lease and indeed purchase units in new schemes on the outskirts of Dublin also remains strong."

This, he claimed, is demonstrated by a recent agreement to lease 3,716 square metres with an option for an additional 3,716 square metres at Ashbourne Business Park.

Construction is due to commence next month on the first phase of industrial development at Osberstown in Naas.

The 'Gateway' scheme, which will comprise two separate phases of 16 units ranging in size from 18 square metres to 734 square metres, is expected to generate considerable interest, considering the relative lack of competitively priced industrial units in this area.

Demand for industrial land continues unabated as was demonstrated by the sale of the three-acre Alcoa site at Ballymount, which is now under offer.

The sale of an 8.8-acre industrial site in IDA Balheary Industrial Park, now being offered on a freehold basis, will be closely monitored. The site is expected to generate in excess of 10m and will be a true test of the industrial market nearing year-end, as will the sale of a high-profile 8.72acre industrial site at Naas Road, which has a guide price of 3m per acre.