The pace of development of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in Ireland in the past year has been rapid by all accounts. There are currently some 40 projects at various stages of procurement, ranging from roads to environmental services, public transport to third level education. Projects in the courts and non-acute health services are also being developed.
On 1 January, the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) was established by the Government to provide cost effective financing for public investment projects. PPPs are seen by the Irish Government as crucial to the delivery of priority infrastructural projects under the National Development Plan (NDP) (2000-06) and to the provision of quality public services. However, it should be acknowledged that these projects are being advanced against the backdrop of cuts in government spending.
