In an unprecedented agreement, the Irish government, UK authorities and local authorities in the north and in the Republic have united to put a joint contract out to tender. The Joint Waste Fridge and Freezers Management Board has selected a preferred bidder for the contract and has written to all the local authorities involved recommending a four-year contract with the option for a 12-month extension. It hopes to gain the full agreement of the stakeholders within the next month.
Ricky Burnett, secretary of the Technical Advisors’ Group for local authorities in Northern Ireland, and waste management officer for Lisburn city council, described the scheme as an “all-island approach.” He said it would have the benefit of maximising economies of scale as well as making the project more attractive to potential investors by ensuring the critical mass required to make operations financially feasible.
In November 2002, the board received 23 tender applications, but at the end of the evaluation process, found that it did not have a package it was entirely satisfied with, but identified a preferred bidder. Mr Burnett said that after negotiations with the bidder, the board was able to get a “quality package at a reasonable price”.
Under the contract, the fridge plant is planned for Northern Ireland, although planning permission has not yet been granted. Mr Burnett explained that Northern Ireland was preferred for the site because the planning process was perceived to be quicker.
Mr Burnett said he was hopeful that the unique partnership between industry, local and central governments will work. “There are lessons to learn even if this project fails,” he said.
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