PPP contract signed for new 50 Bed St Joseph’s CNU in Ardee

Louth TD, Fergus O’Dowd, says he has received confirmation from Minister for Older People, Mary Butler TD, that the long awaited Public Private Partnership (PPP) contract for the brand new 50 bed St Joseph’s Community Nursing Unit (CNU) in Ardee has finally been signed. 

Deputy O’Dowd said “This is really wonderful news for the people of Ardee and mid Louth. I have also been informed that the signing of this PPP contract will allow the immediate commencement of the project. 

“Councillor Dolores Minogue and I have consistently campaigned for this new Community Nursing Unit to further enhance the provision of care of older people in Mid Louth. 

“I want to congratulate everyone on getting the project to this point and I look forward to seeing the staff and service users in their new state of the art surroundings in the very near future.

Cllr Dolores Minogue said “The staff in the existing St Josephs provide an absolutely fantastic service and I really look forward to seeing the new facility which will boost a vast array of modern amenities including a reflection room, hairdresser room, clinical treatment room and also family overnight accommodation. This is really great news for Ardee.” 

Equisisk have been appointed to design, build, finance and maintain the CNU facilities for a 25-year period before handing back to the HSE.

Under the terms of the contract, annual payments (unitary charge) of €24m will be paid by the HSE to the PPP Company for the 25-year term. The sites will remain in State ownership for the entire period.

All patient care services will be provided by the HSE. The HSE procured the project in line with PPP Guidelines and will oversee its delivery. The National Development Finance Agency acted as Financial Advisors.  The project is being funded by Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale (Nord LB), Bank of Ireland and the European Investment Bank.