The slowly unfolding new homes market in the Dublin area seems set to grab considerable attention in the coming months. For a start, a disproportionate amount of the action looks like being concentrated in the Castleknock area where three developers are gearing up for launches later this year.

The first of the new developments, Bracken Park on Carpenterstown Road, is being handled by the Cosgrave Property Group who last made an appearance in Castleknock a quarter of a century ago when they built 76 houses at Chesterfield, just outside the Castleknock Gate in the Phoenix Park. That launch came when market conditions were much the same as at present with a shortage of new houses, uncertain economic conditions and difficulties in securing mortages.

Just like in Chesterfield, selling agent Hooke & MacDonald are confident of an early sale of the 80 four- and five-bedroom houses in Bracken Park which are due to be launched early next month. Prices have not yet been announced but are likely to be in the €500,000-€700,000 price range.

Later this year, another developer, Flynn & O’Flaherty is due to unveil 88 new three- and four-bedroom houses planned for the site of the old garden centre adjoining the former Phoenix Park Racecourse.

This is one of the best available sites in Castlenock area, within a few hundred yards of the side entrance into the Phoenix Park.

Flynn & O’Flaherty have already built 300 apartments in the grounds of the old racecourse.

The third developer due to target the Castleknock area, Michael Cotter of Park Developments, is expected to launch a new residential development at Luttrellstown later this year.