THINK the convenience of a country setting close to Cork city and its bright new airport and business park, think detached status, think a bit of garden space, and think in the region of €500/550,000 plus for a couple of summer 2006 options, each on a half acre plot.

TYPICAL. You wait for years for a tourism project like a five-star hotel and golf course, holiday lodges dotted along the fairways, plus a spa...and then two come along almost at once.

HUNDREDS of new affordable homes will be built on Cork’s northside after decisions by the city council on three separate housing projects last night.

YOU won’t get too many almost new four-bed detached homes in and around Cork city for the €330,000 price mark - and even fewer will have the finish of 10, Pembroke Heights in Passage West.

By Tommy Barker