Seventy-three public private partnership (PPP) projects - each with a value of more than €20 million - have been negotiated, completed or have had advisers appointed, according to the Department of Finance's PPP website.

These include six major roads projects, each with a value of €250 million plus. Three motorway projects built under PPP agreements - the N4 Kilcock-Kinnegad motorway, the N1/M1 Dundalk Western bypass and the N8 Rathcormac-Fermoy bypass - were completed ahead of schedule.

The second Westlink bridge on the M50 was completed in 2003, while the M3 Clonee-Kells motorway was the subject of a legal challenge which has since been withdrawn.

The Department of Transport plans to build the metro north, metro west and the Lucan Luas using PPP deals at a combined cost of €750 million.

The Department of Education has negotiated a number of deals to design, build and finance 28 post-primary and four primary schools, the college for nautical training at Ringaskiddy, Co Cork and the school of music in Cork city for a combined value of €400-€550 million. Nine post-primary schools, one primary school and 17 projects at third level are in the pipeline.

There are currently four PPP projects worth €100-€250 million being pursued by the Office of Public Works under the Government's decentralisation programme, while the National Conference Centre, worth €100-€250 million, is in the procurement process, with construction expected to begin this year.

The new Thornton Hall prison complex is in the procurement stage, while it is also planned to build a 450-place prison on Spike Island to serve Munster at a combined cost of €350-€500 million.

Thirty-six projects have been completed or are due to be completed by next year under PPPs.