Michael Noonan
Question:50 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Finance if any progress has been made in the development of infrastructural projects through public-private partnerships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18100/00]
Written Answers. - Public-Private Partnerships.
I am happy to make a statement on the substantial progress that has been made in implementing the pilot PPP process since I announced, on 1 June 1999, the list of pathfinder projects selected to pilot the PPP process in Ireland. The relevant Departments and the National Roads Authority are bringing these projects to the delivery stage on schedule.
Considerable progress has been made on the ambitious programme set for the delivery of the pilot PPP roads projects. The National Roads Authority has engaged legal consultants and is in the process of engaging financial and technical consultants to assist in the procurement of the pilot projects. The NRA is aiming to seek tenders for the Waterford scheme in late 2000 and the Limerick scheme in mid 2001. In the case of the M50-West Link second bridge scheme, I am informed that negotiations between National Toll Roads, NTR, and the National Roads Authority on a design, build, finance and operate scheme have concluded. Construction is due to commence in early 2001. In relation to the potential Kilcock-Kinnegad project under a DBFO scheme, I have been informed that a route selection report is nearing completion and that it is intended to seek tenders in late 2000.
The Department of Education and Science has also made significant progress in relation to its pilot projects. The redevelopment of the Cork School of Music, was announced by the Minister for Education and Science on 18 October 1999 and a package of five pilot second level schools has also been selected. The Department of Education and Science has engaged advisors to assist in the delivery of these projects. I understand that an invitation to tender for these projects is imminent.
In relation to water supply, the Department of the Environment and Local Government has given approval to two local authorities to appoint client representatives for the development of two water supply pilot projects at Ballymore Eustace and Clareville in Limerick on a design, build, operate and finance basis. The appointment process is at an advanced stage. Also, work is continuing on PPP projects in the water supply area which do not involve private finance such as waste water treatment facilities in Dublin and Cork. In the solid waste area a thermal treatment plant in Dublin has recently been selected as a pilot design, build, operate and finance scheme. Client representatives for the project are being sought. More generally, consultants appointed by the Department of the Environment and Local Government to look at legal, financial, technical and other issues on their specific pilot project areas finalised their report in May 2000. This report includes detailed guidance and advice which local authorities and the National Roads Authority can use in the selection of projects, the management of the process and other actions to facilitate the implementation of PPP projects. This is another important stage in the development of the PPP process in Ireland.
In relation to the Dublin light rail project, initial preparatory construction work for the Tallaght line has begun. My colleague, the Minister for Public Enterprise, has obtained Government approval for a PPP approach to the operation of the project. The Department of Public Enterprise is in the process of appointing consultants to conduct a competition for the award of the operating franchise.
As well as bringing pilot projects to market, further projects are being identified for possible implementation as PPPs. The relocation of the Dublin Institute of Technology to the Grangegorman site is being examined as a potential PPP project. In addition an announcement of a further tranche of PPP roads projects by the National Roads Authority is imminent. A PPP approach is to be adopted for the National Maritime College and there is a commitment in principle to examining the feasibility of using a PPP approach for suitable facilities in the health sector. The use of PPP in other areas is also being considered.
Finally, the structures put in place to forward the process are working well. Departments are developing their skills and knowledge base in the PPP area. The importance of training is also recognised and a programme to increase awareness in and the skills available to the public service is being developed. Within the public sector, progress is being made on key issues, both within individual Departments and under the aegis of the interdepartmental PPP group.