Dundalk as we know it is one of the most vibrant towns in Ireland as the economic growth has been met by the residential surge in and around the area. One of the most prestigious developments currently ongoing is Lis Na Dara. Situated in the distinguished location at Carrick Road, the new development is being built by Lisnamere Developments in conjunction with Mount Avenue Developments. Louth GAA Yearbook spoke to architect Ronan Halpin about the project and his family's role in this exciting project that has put Dundalk on the team as somewhere to settle in tranquility. Lis Na Dara is located on the outskirts of the town, although it is within walking distance of the town's amenities and is sure to cater for everyone's needs. The development leaves nothing to the imagination and there are 14 different house types to choose from ranging from two-bedroom semi-detached to five-bedroom detached. "There are 464 unites being developed along with a crèche, medical centre and shopping complex. The development began in October 2005 and there are 240 units completed, while already there are 300 sold," said Ronan. "Most have been sold off the plans and there has been huge interest in the development. We expect to be finished there by mid-2009 and it is an exceptional project that has a lot going for it." Ronan revealed surprisingly that the majority of people purchasing the houses have been from the Dundalk area and not from further afield like Dublin. "About 80% of the homes sold have been to people in the area, while the other 20% has been sold between Dublin and Drogheda. It is a prime location beside the train station and only five minutes from the motorway." Dundalk is situated halfway between Dublin and Belfast. Located on the M1/N1, the busiest economic corridor in Ireland, and served by high speed rail that makes Belfast and Dublin both easily commutable, it seems fair to say that Dundalk is at the centre of things. It's no wonder that the town is primed to become Ireland's first new city of the 21st Century. Dundalk was selected as a Gateway Centre for Development under the Irish Government's National Spatial Strategy and is progressing fast. An excellent infrastructure is in place: road, rail, telecoms, power, water and waste management are developed to a highly sophisticated degree. Dublin Airport is a 45 minute journey along the new M1, and Belfast airport is an hour away. "Certainly there are many positive aspects to Dundalk such as the amenities and the road networks, which have improved considerably since the opening of the M1/N1." Some of the amenities available to the townsfolk include the Ice Dome and Dundalk Stadium, the country's first all-weather race track, while sports enthusiasts will find every range of activity available. At Lis Na Dara, there is an unfaltering commitment to architecture, craftsmanship, fine detailing and timeless ideas, because it is these things that make for a better family home. It is about exceeding expectations to deliver homes of quality and distinction. Guided by a deep-rooted respect of elegance, beauty and highest standards, the homes at LIS NA DARA combine classically-inspired features with an understanding of contemporary living. The resulting homes are a revelation in style that is sure to stand the test of time. The best of products have been used by Mount Avenue Developments for all parts of the construction phase, which has added to the quality of each and every home. "It's about creating the definitive family home, where higher standards provide a backdrop for daily life. Standards that draw from the finest of architectural heritage are adhered to at Lis Na Dara in order to deliver the best possible specification available today. "From superb high-end kitchens to elegant and enduring windows and doors, every detail is covered. Beautiful fireplaces, generous wardrobes in larger houses, crisp clean bathrooms and en-suites and brass door handles are all part of a reassuring specification, a specification where every detail adds value." Lisnamere Developments has been operating for the past 30 years when Ronan's father Sean established the company and it now has become one of the top building firms in the county. At present 35 people are employed directly by the company for the current development at Lis Na Dara, while the majority of work is sub-contracted. "Most of the work is subbed out to workers that we have dealt with in the past as we know the quality work they can produce and they know the high standard we demand." Ronan, along with his father and brother Niall have built a successful business over the years, but the Lis Na Dara development is currently taking up all their time. "We were fortunate to start this development at a time when there was not much more building going on in the town and it has really taken off. People demand a high quality of home and our aim is to provide them with that." The Halpin's are Louth born and bred as both Niall and Ronan played with the Geraldines club at underage level. Even though neither has any direct involvement with the club now, they are still keen followers of Louth GAA and currently sponsor the Clan na Gael club in Dundalk. Football in Louth is currently on a crest of a wave given the performances of the County team in the past few years and there is a genuine belief that Eamonn McEnaney's charges can pick up some silverware in the very near future. "It would be great to see the Louth footballers win something. They certainly deserve it and the supporters probably deserve to see that even more. It has been too long since the county was successful at the highest level, but Eamonn McEneaney has brought them on a great deal and they players are certainly there." As the likes of Dundalk continue to grow and the county in general continues to flourish, it would be fitting to see the Wee County back on top after over a half a century in the doldrums. Tweet

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