Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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In July 2016 the Government selected the gap funded model as the optimum ownership model for the NBP State intervention. The Government considered two ownership models, having narrowed the options from five models. While this decision was informed by a high level cost modelling on both options, the NBP procurement was always structured so that the final cost would be determined through the dialogue process with bidders. At the point of the Government decision on the ownership model a number of factors were considered. Among these was the estimation that the gap funded model was likely to lead to a lower cost than the full concession model because of the strategic value bidders would place on the network and the incentive to continue investment and upgrade over the full 25 years of the contract and beyond.