John Laing Group, an operator of the Convention Centre Dublin, is considering supporting the proposed metro rail line that will link Dublin city to the airport, says the group’s CEO, Andrew Truscott. John Laing, the new operator of the convention centre since its acquisition last year from the State, aims to launch new ventures in the Republic by opening a new office in Dublin. Mr Truscott, prior to his Wednesday announcement, expressed the group’s intentions to financially back the proposed rail facility starting from Dublin’s city centre up to the airport and further northbound to Malahide.
Despite the widespread doubts stemming from continuous delays in the establishment of the Dublin Metro, Mr Truscott remains optimistic. Drawing parallels with their investment in Australia’s Sydney Light Rail system, which faced similar scepticism during its planning phase, Mr Truscott assured that such projects, upon completion, are highly appreciated by the public.
John Laing, a financier for new infrastructural projects, plans to pour capital into the rail line project, thereby facilitating other firms to undertake the designing and construction stages. Having supported over 150 different infrastructural projects across the UK, Europe, the US, Colombia, Australia, and New Zealand, it comes with an extensive range of industry experience and expertise.
The primary driving force behind the group’s interest in Ireland is the Republic’s robust public-private partnership system, which involves cooperation between private institutions and the State for infrastructural development, says Mr Truscott.
The group’s acquisition portfolio also boasts Valley Healthcare, a primary care centre operator, and Towercom, a telecommunications mast firm, which were bought as part of a single deal last year along with the convention centre contract. The group plans to further grow these businesses, expanding Valley Healthcare from approximately 18 or 19 centres to around 30 and is keenly looking for expansion possibilities for Towercom.
The organisation is investigating new opportunities, incorporating social housing and university lodgings, neither of which it has ventured into in any of its markets. Brian Gilroy, who serves as both the managing director of John Laing Ireland and the chief executive of Valley Healthcare, will oversee the Irish operations. Gilroy pointed out that John Laing is unique as an investor in its considerable experience in executing and overseeing intricate infrastructure through collaborations with both private and public sector partners.