Joint Venture
As Gaeilge: Comhfhiontar
Also known as: JV, Joint Venture Vehicle
Last reviewed April 2026
A formal commercial vehicle (often an incorporated company or partnership) set up by two or more firms to deliver a public contract together.
A joint venture is a more structured form of teaming than a loose consortium. Partners create a separate legal vehicle (commonly an Irish company or unlimited partnership) that holds the contract, employs the project team, and books revenue and risk. Used on large Irish public works (motorways, hospitals, water infrastructure) and on PPP concessions. JV agreements set out capital contributions, governance, deadlock resolution and exit, and align with the procurement requirement that all members are jointly and severally liable to the contracting authority.
Sources and legal basis
Primary legislation and official guidance. Always confirm the current text on the source before relying on it.
Related terms
Consortium Bid
A joint tender by two or more firms that team up to meet selection requirements or scale they could not meet alone.
Economic Operator
The EU procurement term for any supplier, contractor or service provider (an individual, firm, or consortium) that bids for or performs a public contract.
Concession Contract
A contract where the supplier earns its return mainly from exploiting the works or services (e.g. tolls, user fees), bearing operational risk.
Contracting Authority
A public body that buys goods, services, or works with public funds: departments, councils, the HSE, ETBs, etc.
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