In May 2007, the Authority advertised Tranche 1 Service Areas on the National Roads Network to be procured as a PPP Contract.  The Tranche 1 tender competition is intended to comprise the design, construction, operation and financing of three service areas on the national roads network. Two service areas will be located on the M1 motorway and one on the M4 motorway. Each service area will either have facilities on both sides of the motorway or will be accessible from both sides of the motorway.

The design and construction elements of the Contract are currently intended to comprise (in particular, but without limitation) the design and construction of facilities for motorists and their passengers, which provide extensive parking, fuel station, toilet block, Garda enforcement area and restaurant food/outlet facilities.

The Authority received the Stage One submissions from Participants on 28th October 2008. The next steps will be to shortlist the Participants further and proceed to Stage Two submissions and ultimately to contract award in 2009.