Restoration of Ulster Canal Phases 3.1 and 3.2 - Construction phase

Restoration of Ulster Canal Phases 3.1 and 3.2 - Construction phase

Waterways Ireland_225

## Summary Waterways Ireland is procuring the construction of Phases 3.1 and 3.2 of the Ulster Canal Restoration, a cross-jurisdictional project linking Northern Ireland and Ireland. The contract involves civil engineering works to create a navigable link from the Erne Navigation to Clones.

## Scope & Deliverables - Construction of a new navigation arch at Wattlebridge. - Construction of a new bridge at A3 Gortnacarrow. - Local realignment of roads and construction of an accommodation bridge. - Construction of a marina, lock chamber, and 300m of new canal. - Dredging of the River Finn. - Associated Mechanical and Electrical engineering works. - Landscaping and parking provision.

## Key Requirements - Eligibility criteria and exclusion grounds are detailed in the Procurement Document. - The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA), allowing international bidders. - No specific qualifications are listed in the notice; bidders must consult the full tender package for technical and financial selection criteria.

## Commercials & Timeline - Estimated value: €35,000,000 (excluding VAT). - Submission deadline: Fri Jun 19 15:00:00 IST 2026. - Contract duration: 20 months. - Framework/DPS: No framework agreement.

## How to Bid - Submission method: Via the eTenders portal at https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/cft/viewTenders.do?resourceId=8030809. - Language: English. - Key documents: Bidders must review the Procurement Document for specific selection criteria and exclusion grounds.

## Bid Considerations - Cross-Jurisdictional Complexity: The project spans Northern Ireland and Ireland, requiring logistical planning across two regulatory jurisdictions. - High Value: The €35m estimate suits large contractors with significant civil engineering capacity and financial standing. - Specialized Works: Success requires expertise in waterway construction, dredging, and structural engineering (bridges/locks). - No EU Funding: The project is not financed with EU funds, which may simplify certain compliance reporting but does not alter GPA obligations.

Open procedure. Any interested supplier may submit a tender. There is no shortlisting stage — all compliant bids received by the deadline are evaluated against the published award criteria. It is the most common route for Irish public contracts and is open to SMEs and new entrants.

Waterways Ireland_225 has 13 tender(s) tracked on TenderScout, of which 2 are currently open. On the EU TED record this buyer has awarded 31 contract(s) worth around €5,058,243.

Recent awarded suppliers include ERGO, Wijma Kampen B.V., Ascot Sign Systems_12283, LFMI Media Services Ltd t/a Muck Rack, Thorntons Chartered Surveyors.