M1 & M4 Motorway Service Areas Contract Awarded
The NRA is pleased to confirm that it has awarded today (8th October 2009) a Public Private Partnership (PPP) contract to design, build, finance, maintain and operate the first three motorway service areas in Ireland to the Superstop Consortium. The consortium consists of Applegreen (Retail Operator), TOP Oil (Fuel Operator) and Pierse Contracting (Design & Construction).
It is estimated that 500 jobs will be created during construction phase which begins this month and that around 250 full & part time jobs will be created when the new service areas open. Construction is expected to take just over a year with all three service areas anticipated to open before the end of next year.
The three service areas will operate 24 hours a day. Two will be located on the M1 – at Castlebellingham, Co. Louth and at Lusk, Co. Dublin – and one on the M4 at Enfield, Co. Kildare. Each of the service areas will provide facilities on either side of the motorway and at each location there will be a restaurant, convenience shop, toilet and shower facilities, fuel, and dedicated parking for HGV’s. Additionally, there will be child play areas, picnic areas and tourism information.
The contract with the Superstop Consortium is a 25 year concession agreement which includes the construction, maintenance and operation of the facilities. The NRA will make payments of €47 million to the consortium towards the construction of the facilities. The contract also provides for a sharing of the revenues generated from the service areas to go back to the state.
Fred Barry, CEO of NRA stated
“We are very pleased with this announcement today. These service areas will enhance the overall benefits of the new motorway network. There is an important driver safety element along with the convenience of amenities for all road users."
For further information contact: Sean O’ Neill
01-6658744
086-8230600