Construction is to begin shortly on a £200 million project for five new secondary schools.
Under the Government's pilot public-private partnership, the Department of Education has chosen a British facilities management group, Jarvis plc, for a 25-year deal to oversee the construction and running of the schools. It will also be contracted for a new £46 million building for the Cork School of Music.
Subject to the planning process it is intended that the five schools will be open by September 2002, and the school of music in 2003.
The first public-private partnership project under the National Development Plan, the schools are earmarked for Ballincollig and Dunmanway, Co Cork; Clones, Co Monaghan; Shannon, Co Clare; and Tubbercurry, Co Sligo. Between them they will cater for 3,500 pupils.
Facilities will include advanced IT and communications systems and extensive sports and leisure facilities.
Under the scheme, the Government hires private firms to provide public services under strict agreements. The firm, in signing up to build and manage the facility, takes on the risks, and the Government in turn agrees to a lengthy contract.
Jarvis plc will design, build, finance and operate the schools for 25 years, during which it will be responsible for maintenance, cleaning, security and IT support. The Government in return is committed to a "unitary payment" similar to a mortgage, the exact nature of which has still to be finalised, according to the Department. After 25 years, ownership transfers to the Government.
The initial construction cost of the five schools is estimated at £56 million, and £46 million for the Cork School of Music.