Just when you thought that they couldn't possibly squeeze another new building into Dalkey, along comes Garvan Walsh of Gunne with a cracking good site of just over half an acre behind the Queens pub on Castle Street - the former tram yard and turning point for the Dalkey tram. The site has been used as a timber yard in recent years and has been eyed greedily by many a local investor. Gunne estimates the plot could accommodate 25-30 apartments or could alternatively be used for a mixed commercial and residential scheme. The guide price of £2 million may well be exceeded at the auction on February 10th given Dalkey's super chic reputation.

Don't to be surprised if local real estate chief Robin Power opens the bidding. He and his wife, Michelle, already control several commercial units in the village, as well as choice houses on the Dalkey/Sandycove seafront. Their latest buy just before Christmas was Cove Lodge. The detached house is directly overlooking the sea at Sandycove had been on the market at £600,000.