Developers clamour for €500 million PPP contract

Date Published: 14-May-2009

THERE has been an unprecedented interest from the private sector in the construction of the new motorway from Gort to Tuam – a project which will cost more than €500 million.
It has been learned by The Connacht Tribune that at least six consortia of builders and
financial institutions have responded to the expressions of interest in the project which were sought by the National Roads Authority.
And it is expected that an intensive dialogue process will commence within the next few weeks with representatives from the interested parties with a view to shortlisting the applicants
before the end of the year.
It is also understood that the majority of those who expressed an interest in this huge undertaking are from overseas where access to finance for such significant roads projects is easier to acquire than it is in this country at the moment.
Over the coming months, an archaeological survey along with site investigation works will be carried out on the proposed M17 route between Tuam and Rathmorrissey, near Athenry.
It is expected that these works will be completed before the end of the year when the
dialogue process with the shortlisted consortiums will take on a greater intensity.