News on 28 March 2001
Facilities management group Jarvis has been appointed preferred bidder for a 25 year contract with Ireland’s Department of Education and Science to develop five new 'state-of-the-art schools'.
The Public Private Partnership (PPP) project involves a total development cost of over IR£63m (£50m) and has a whole life value, at current prices, of some IR£200m (£158m).
The five second-level schools will provide about 35,000 sq m of space (375,000 sq ft) for around 3,500 pupils initially. The new schools will have advanced IT and communications systems plus extensive sports and leisure facilities, which will be available for community or commercial use outside specified school hours. Low maintenance and an environmental focus are features of the design. Work on the construction element of the project is due to be completed by August next year.
Over the life of the contract, Jarvis Accommodation Services will provide a range of facilities management services including building maintenance, cleaning, security, ground maintenance and IT and communications support.
Jarvis has forged a strong position in the schools PPP sector. The group has signed 13 separate schools contracts through which it will provide and maintain improved educational facilities for some 60,000 pupils and staff in 54 schools across the UK.
Jarvis sees the development of PPP activities outside the UK as a natural extension to its business and will hope to win more work in Ireland where over 360,000 pupils attend about 800 schools.
The Irish Minister for Education and Science, Dr. Michael Woods T.D., said: "I am delighted we have reached the point where the first of the Irish Public Private Partnership Pilot projects has reached Preferred Bidder status. The new facilities to be provided by Jarvis and its team will provide superb teaching and learning environments as well as offer a range of community facilities. Ireland has a reputation for excellence in teaching and I see this pilot Public Private Partnership project as building on our achievements with the provision of the new school facilities in the five locations across the country. We look forward to working closely with Jarvis in this long-term partnership and seeing the many benefits for the teachers, students and local communities.”
