Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Government at the time believed the use of that road would not be at a level which would make it viable for the State to build the bridge. That was the risk. The assessment the then Government got did not match up to the level of traffic that materialised on the M50.

The Deputy has pointed to PPPs that have not delivered, but we should also point to the PPPs that have, such as primary care centres, schools and roads. We should particularly point to key roads to the south west of our country. They were built at a time when the State could not afford to build them. The funding model used means the State only has to pay for their maintenance.

I want this matter reviewed in light of where we are now because PPPs have played a valuable role and can do so in the future. However, I am not rushing blindly into this. I am aware of the debate on the issue. I am aware of the attractions of this being done conventionally, that is, by the State directly building when it can, but we cannot always do that. That is why PPPs might well play a role in how we deliver some very big projects in the future.

See this speech in context