Dublin housebuilder Deane Brothers has emerged as the buyers of a four-acre development site in Lucan for £2.9 million. It is one of the highest prices paid for a housing site in west Dublin. Sherry FitzGerald originally quoted a guideline of £1.3 million-plus for The Orchard, at Old Leixlip Road, but moved it up to £2 million before the auction because of he high level of interest in the site by developers, many anxious to roll over profits from earlier schemes before the end of the tax year. As it turned out, the opening bid was £2 million and five builders chased the site until it was eventually knocked down to Deane Brothers.

There is no current planning permission on the site but it is thought likely the new owners will be able to develop between 80 and 100 residential units. An existing cottage on the site may be demolished.