The National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) in partnership with Enterprise Ireland is running an information and networking event connecting local suppliers to opportunities in the construction sector under the Schools Public Private Partnership (PPP) programme. The event takes place on Friday 31st January 2014 in the Heritage Hotel, Portlaoise, Co Laois, at 9.15am.

This free event is open to construction suppliers and enterprises in a wide variety of supply categories from aggregates to windows. Attendees will learn more about the Schools PPP programme and have an opportunity to meet with the three shortlisted building candidates. The three PPP consortia that have been shortlisted by the NDFA to progress to the next stage of delivery of these schools are: Amber Education Partnership which includes PJ Hegarty & G4S Solutions, BAM PPP and Carillion Construction. Attendees will also find out how to become a sub supplier through a series of short 5 minute “pitch” meetings.

The Schools PPP project - part of a €1.4 billion PPP programme included in the Government’s Infrastructure Stimulus Plan - will see 12 new and replacement schools built in counties Carlow, Clare, Cork, Kildare, Louth, Meath, Tipperary, Wexford and Wicklow. In total these schools will provide accommodation for approximately 8,650 students.

The PPP company that will be selected to deliver the programme will finance the design, build and maintenance of these schools for a 25 year period. The schools will be fully furnished and equipped (except for specialist educational equipment) as part of the PPP contract with elements of the fixtures, fittings and equipment to be maintained over the 25 year period.

There will also be an Enterprise Support zone at the event where attendees can get information on topics such as the Pathways to Work initiative from the Department of Social Protection including the Jobs Ireland Services and to check eligibility for the JobsPlus scheme. The zone will also include a bond & credit rating advisory service.

For more information on how to register for the Meet the Buyer event and to check if you qualify please click here.