Firms more upbeat about PPPs - Ibec

Private sector companies are far more upbeat about public-private partnerships than before, a new survey from the employers' group, Ibec, has found.

Whereas in a 2003 survey over 90 per cent of respondents rated progress as "poor" or "very poor", the latest survey indicates that two-thirds of firms rate progress in the area as fair or good. Firms were particularly pleased with opportunities in roads, education, the courts services and housing.

However, many firms said not enough deals were coming forward from Government. Other negatives highlighted was public sector resourcing, political support and uncertainty about the processes behind the various deals.

The areas where the least progress has been made - according to the survey - is public transport, office accommodation and sports and leisure.

The Department of Finance was cited by some respondents as an obstacle to other deals going ahead. The results of the survey suggest that other departments are regarded as more helpful to private firms.

Jim Barry, chairman of Ibec's public-private partnership council, said members were much more upbeat than before. "The survey results point to an increasing optimism in the industry that momentum can be restored to the whole PPP area".

He said the challenge was to build on recent initiatives by the Minister for Finance, such as the enhanced role for the national development finance agency, which is meant to help in delivering a range of projects across various sectors. He said the Republic could learn a lot from Northern Ireland.

"The progress made on PPPs in Northern Ireland in the past two years is very encouraging and brings into the policy frame the prospect of cross-Border PPP projects, particularly in the waste and transport sectors".