Margaret Heffernan of Dunnes Stores has emerged as the buyer of the €4.3 million apartment overlooking Government Buildings at Dunloe Hall on Merrion Street.

Mrs Heffernan had to fend off a number of other bidders at a private auction conducted by Lisney with barrister Gerardine Connelly also believed to have been in the running for the three-bedroom apartment which has grand Georgian features and plenty of space for entertaining.