Apartments near city with bay views

Dublin 3: from €295,000:Fifty apartments in a fast-changing docklands neighbourhood hit the market this week, writes Kate McMorrow

A new apartment development between the Liffey and the Clontarf Estuary will attract a broad spectrum of buyers, with investors likely to be front-runners. First-time buyers getting in at the off-plans stage could also be interested.

Island Key will take shape on East Road, off East Wall Road in Dublin 3 and close to the IFSC, Spencer Dock and the city centre. The new Luas extension to Mayor Street, when it arrives, will provide access to the outer suburbs.

Selling agent Brian Dwyer & Partners is selling the first phase of 50 apartments from plans today at its Lower Leeson Street offices.

Prices range from €295,000 to €350,000 for one-bedroom apartments averaging 42sq m (450sq ft).

Two-beds of 55-68sq m (600-730sq ft) cost from €350,000 to €490,000. Three-bedroom units of 76-82sq m (820-880sq ft) are from €473,000 to €495,000.

Three-bedroom penthouses of 70-82sq m (753-885sq ft) plus large terraces are priced from €525,000 to €570,000.

Also for sale are spacious two-bedroom live/work own-door duplexes of 105sq m (1,130sq ft) at €525,000. Car-parking spaces cost an additional €30,000. This phase will be ready to move into from April 2008 onwards, says the agent.

The eight-storey main blocks will have a functional modern look, visually softened by good-sized glass-sided balconies and large windows. Upper floors will have great views over the city and Dublin Bay. Parking will be underground, allowing good communal open spaces which will be landscaped. Planted roof gardens are also in the pipeline.

Standard spec at Island Key will include contemporary kitchens with appliances and ceramic tiled floors. Bathrooms and shower rooms will also come fully tiled. Semi-solid wood flooring will be laid in sittingrooms and hallways, with timber veneer flooring in all bedrooms.

Cabling for digital television and broadband internet will also be installed. All apartments will have glass doors opening onto balconies. Crèche facilities are also planned for Island Key and lifts will serve all floors.

Live/work duplexes will include a self-contained own-door unit for work and these apartments can be used entirely for work if necessary.

Previous apartment schemes by developer Ellen Construction include Winter Garden on Pearse Street, Killiney Court in south County Dublin and Fairview Close. The architect at Island Key is O'Dwyer & Associates.