ONE ESTATE agency chain bucking the trend is The Dooley Group which, far from scaling back in the current climate, plans to open 40 new franchised offices over the next five years.

The Dooley Auctioneers network has established seven offices in four counties since it began its franchising programme in 2003.

Now the group plans to go nationwide, by opening eight offices a year between 2008 and 2012.

While many leading Irish property firms have been franchising their businesses in recent years, Dooley Group founder and managing director Gabriel Dooley believes there is still potential in the property franchise market.

"While one Irish estate agent in five now operates as part of a franchised network, there is still a large majority who function as independent operators," he says.

"In an increasingly brand oriented market however, more and more of these recognise that their future lies in joining a franchise that provides them with a well-supported and properly resourced business model."

Back-up from the Dooley Group will include a support team; training; advertising, marketing, branding, public relations and graphic design advice; internet and intranet network, and website: www.dooley.ie.

Gabriel Dooley opened the first Dooley Auctioneers office in Bray, Co Wicklow, in 1994 and in 2003 began to franchise the business across Ireland. There are now offices in Bray, Delgany and Greystones, Co Wicklow; Dun Laoghaire and Clondalkin, Co Dublin; Moycullen, Co Galway; and Athy, Co Kildare.