Co Dublin: from € 240,000 The first 30 apartments in a Swords Central launch today. Kate McMorrow reports

Swords has expanded to the point that some new homes schemes are a mile or more from the town centre. Not so Swords Central, a major new apartment development right in the heart of Swords which launches today from plans.

This is phase one of Swords Central, a Pierse Homes development jointly handled by Hooke & MacDonald and Gunne New Homes. Bookings are being accepted from noon today for the first 30 of a total of 123 apartments at the offices of Gunne New Homes and Hooke & MacDonald.

Prices are keen and will attract both first-time buyers and investors. They start at €240,000 for one-bedroom apartments of 41-46sq m(495sq ft). Two-bedroom units of 64 - 77sq m (685-285sq ft) cost from €285,000. Three-bedroom apartments of 83-89sq m (890-995 sq ft) cost from €345,000.

The new development will be contemporary in design, with much use of glass and structured courtyard gardens. Shops will be located at ground floor level, with apartments above, many facing into the landscaped grounds.

Apartments will include custom-designed kitchens with a full range of electrical appliances and wall and floor tiling. Bathrooms and en suites will be fitted with quality sanitary ware.

Many apartments will have sit-out balconies, accessed via floor-to-ceiling glass doors.

Building has started on the Swords Central site and completions should take place from autumn next year onwards.