Finance & Funding

The European-based technology group for construction services, Strabag, has initiated and led the first successful refinancing of an Irish motorway public-private partnership (PPP) project. In a written statement, Strabag said that the N17/N18 project between Gort and Tuam “is benefiting from improved financial market conditions while still in the construction phase”. Refinancing was successfully achieved on 27 May. Total private sector investment in this project amounts to €400 million. Strabag said

Roman Brecely, Slovakia’s transport minister, has said that construction of the 2km long motorway tunnel Cebrat near Ruzomberok could be resumed at the beginning of 2017. But the cost is expected to increase by around €100 million. He added that the government likely will seek European Union funding. Construction was halted a year ago over concerns about the possibility of landslides and other geological issues. For this reason, the tunnel route may alter and be an additional 1.5km longer. The tunn

Paraguay is setting out plans for a series of major road development works, with this programme being planned by the country’s Ministry of Works. The Paraguayan Government says it will spend some US$1 billion on road projects in the area around Chaco, with those of highest priority being built within the next two years. The most important of the projects is the bi-oceanic corridor, which is expected to cost some $700 million to construct. The work on the bi-oceanic corridor is receiving financial support fr

Colombia’s National Infrastructure Agency (ANI) has approved Consorcio Estructura Plural Via al Puerto to build the remaining 26.5km of the Buga-Buenaventura dual carriageway. Construction costs will be just under US$358 million with another $645 million likely needed to maintain and operate the public-private partnership road for 30 years. Works include construction of two tunnels, 12 bridges, 7.5km of cycle lanes, as well as maintenance of 111km of the main road, according to a report by El Pais new

The French government has replaced its public private partnership advisory agency ahead of incoming laws to make P3 contracts easier to process and manage. The Mission d'appui aux Partenariats Public-Privé (MAPPP) is replaced by Fin Infra, the Mission d’appui au financement des infrastructures. Fin Infra has extended powers and more personnel over MAPPP. Unlike its predecessor, it will be able to provide advice on concession contracts and other forms of public-private contracting, rather than just pub

Paul Lyons, CEA’s () Market Information Manager takes a look at the trends of UK Exports and Imports of Construction and Earthmoving equipment* in the first quarter of 2016. According to the UK’s Construction Equipment Association (CEA) exports of construction and earthmoving equipment have been on a declining trend since 2013. The CE explains that this reflects weak demand in many of the major overseas markets. However, export levels in recent quarters are continuing to show signs of stabilising. Export