Vol. 525 No. 2
913 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will give details of the five school projects proposed for a pilot public-private partnership initiative; the total estimated cost of the works involved in the initiative; the percentage contribution by the State; the legal ownership of the schools and responsibility for their maintenance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24661/00]
My Department has identified five schools to be included in a pilot public private partnership programme. These schools are located in: Ballincollig, County Cork; Clones, County Monaghan; Dunmanway, County Cork; Shannon, County Clare; and Tubbercurry, County Sligo.
These projects are being developed on a design, build, finance and operate basis. The competitive process is now under way and private sector bids are due in February next year. The structure of any Exchequer payment for the schools will only be established following a value for money assessment of the bids received. In the PPP process, while the maintenance and operation of the buildings will be a matter for the successful bidder, for the duration of the service contract, normally around 25 years, the management of the schools and their day to day running will remain with the school management authorities. The State will retain legal ownership of all properties.
The capital cost for the five schools is estimated at a total of £35 million and it is intended that the new schools will be available for September 2002.
