The Government is to introduce legislation in the autumn to allow for the creation of a "centre of expertise" to fast-track major building projects that involve private sector involvement and financing.
Minister for Finance Brian Cowen yesterday announced the establishment of a new unit within the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) which is aimed at speeding up public-private partnerships for key Government projects.
The new centre will initially oversee projects from the Departments of Justice, Education and Health.
It is expected to include more than €500 million in projects, including a new prison in north Co Dublin, new radiotherapy centres, a courts complex in Dublin and 18 secondary schools around the country.
The centre will be responsible for the assessment and management of the projects during the appraisal and construction stages before they are handed over to the relevant Ministers.
The Department of Finance said sponsoring Ministers would retain overall responsibility and make key decisions on the projects.
The new initiative could be expanded to cover all major Government projects. However the department stressed that rail and road projects would remain unaffected, with the National Roads Authority and the Rail Procurement Agency retaining control.
The new centre will need legislation to enable it to carry out its functions, although it will begin work immediately. The NDFA is to recruit two new directors and other staff for the unit.