The arrival of multinational computer companies has transformed Leixlip from a one-time village outpost of Dublin into Ireland's version of Silicon Valley. The Rinawade estate, where the decaying bodies of four women were discovered yesterday, forms part of an area referred to by locals as "Cyber Plains". It is one of a number of new estates that house the workers of the local Hewlett Packard and Intel computer plants - the latter Ireland's largest private-sector employer with over 3,500 full-time workers.
"It's nice and quiet here. No violence. No break-ins. No talk," said Ola. From Nigeria, she has rented a four-bedroom house across the street from where the women lived. She has been there with her partner, two children and a friend since April. They arrived in Ireland three years ago.
Most of those living in Rinawade Grove rent their accommodation, signalling that most of the homes are owned by investors. One man said he paid £600 a month for a three-bedroomed home like the house in which the women lived.
"I think there are only two families here and there are hardly any children. We don't really know anyone. We're working until 6.30 every evening and haven't had cause to mix with the neighbours," said a woman.
Situated just off the M50 motorway, Leixlip is also an attractive location for those commuting to Dublin. The sound of distant traffic on the west road of the motorway can be heard from the estate.
One couple said they owned their large detached home but confirmed that most neighbours rented. "We don't socialise much in the village but a lot of the pubs are packed with a local crowd," said the woman. The Liffey Valley shopping centre also provides locals with the choice of big-name stores.
The homes in Rinawade Grove are the second phase of a Ballymore property development. The final phase of the estate has just been sold.
The hearses taking the remains to Tallaght hospital made this journey yesterday evening. They proceeded slowly in rush-hour traffic down the main street of the village as locals looked on.