Thanks for the info
It seems there are a number of business models available and for the Irish developer exploring the non console seems potentially the way to go.
Folks on this thread might find the following costs breakdown for next gen console interesting (or scarey)..images etc at the end of the article
Why Gears Of War Costs $60
http://www.forbes.com/2006/12/19/ps3-xbox360-costs-tech-cx_rr_game06_1219expensivegames.html
Aphra.