Mullingar: Developers Hollioake Homes and Empire Homes are collaborating in a major new homes scheme in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, which will raise this town's profile as one of the most popular satellite locations for families and first-time buyers.

Work has started on the €90 million project, which involves 350 units in a mix of two, three and four-bedroom houses and one and two-bed apartments. The development is in Farrenshock, on the C link road and with easy access to the new motorway which forms part of the ring road system. The Mullingar bypass is expected to open in 2008. An hourly train service to Dublin is currently being considered by Iarnród Éireann.

The joint developers expect to launch the new scheme in the autumn, when phase one will be well under way. Prices are not yet firmed up, but are likely to be affordable, both at first-time and upgrade levels.

Minister of State Tom Parlon's announcement of a possible government department decentralising to Mullingar will encourage investor interest in the town - values could increase should this become a reality.