Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Mar 1999

Vol. 502 No. 1

Written Answers. - Public-Private Partnerships.

Willie Penrose

Question:

150 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will endorse the joint management partnership approach between Westmeath County Council and the private sector in order to complete major infrastructural projects, for example, the construction of roads; if his attention has been drawn to the attitude of the National Roads Authority to the method of undertaking this infrastructural work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7334/99]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

I have already made clear my strong support for public private partnerships, PPP, as a means of promoting major road improvement and other infrastructural projects. With this in mind, I have mandated my Department to identify potential PPP projects within my area of responsibility.

The National Roads Authority, NRA, is similarly developing a PPP programme in respect of national roads. It is a matter for NRA to progress, in conjunction with local authorities and the private sector, detailed consideration of the PPP arrangements to apply in relation to national roads.