Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I share the Deputy's concern in as much as public private partnerships take a long time to come to fruition. We had a major difficulty in the beginning because the market was so seared by the cancellation of PPP projects at the time of the economic collapse. We are going back to the same body of funders in the market and suggesting that we want them to bid for these projects and put in their money upfront. It takes a major effort. The first PPP we got over the line was the Newlands Cross and N11 project and that was almost totemic. Once we got that across, a growing confidence emerged.

I have a monthly monitoring system in my Department to watch all PPPs. I meet representatives from the National Development Finance Agency regularly and I will meet them again shortly. I met them last month as well. We are keen to ensure that there are no delays but there are several constraints. For example, I have asked for school bundles to be joined together where we have resources and if there is a market willing to fund it. Then, we have to deal with the construction capacity within the Irish economy to bid for large projects. I assure the Deputy that every possible measure that can be taken to ensure PPPs are delivered is being taken and I am confident that a good system is in train now.

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