Madam, - On behalf of Ibec's public private partnership council, I would like to respond to Fintan O'Toole's assertion that PPPs "represent lousy value for public money" (Opinion, March 27th).
It is most disappointing that the great societal and financial benefits associated with PPPs are little understood.
PPPs offer unique opportunities to provide much needed world-class infrastructure. They deliver first-rate facilities on time and within budget, remove financial risk from the taxpayer and provide for superior maintenance and management of our national assets.
In recent years Irish PPPs developed essential educational facilities, modern water and waste-water treatment works, excellent road and rail infrastructure and vital environmental management services.
These projects, used daily by the public, might not have been possible without the dedicated involvement of the private sector.
- Yours, etc,
PAUL SWEETMAN, Ibec Policy Division, Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2.