Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 3 Dec 2002

Vol. 558 No. 4

Written Answers. - Public Private Partnership.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

408 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Sligo Corporation, in its application of 28 November 2000 for grant aid for a feasibility study under the public private partnership fund, confirmed that the study will highlight the elements of the project based on consultation with the stakeholders and the community; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that in the period from the submission of the grant application on 28 November 2000 to the presentation of the completed feasibility study to members of Sligo Borough Council on 14 October 2002, no consultation took place with members of the local community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24423/02]

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

The grant application to undertake a PPP feasibility study on the provision of car parking and ancillary facilities in the town, submitted by Sligo Corporation in November 2000, included a reference to the need for consultation with stakeholders and the community. This accorded with guidance provided by my Department to local authorities that contracting authorities should undertake consultation and communication when developing a public private partnership project.

My Department has yet to receive a copy of the consultants' report, which I understand has been presented in draft form to the council. Once the study has been finalised and the report submitted to my Department for consideration, we will assess whether the core elements of the study's terms of reference, and stakeholder concerns, have been adequately addressed.