Provision of Bus Service for Connemara National Park

A bus service from Clifden to Connemara National Park (Visitor Car Park) which may potentially serve

Provision of Bus Service for Connemara National Park

Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage

## Summary The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is procuring a complimentary bus service linking Clifden to Connemara National Park to reduce traffic pressure and support sustainable tourism. The contract covers the 2026 season with potential extensions through 2029.

## Scope & Deliverables - Transport passengers from Clifden to the Connemara National Park Visitor Car Park. - Potential additional stops at Mweelin area and Derrigimlagh Bog. - Service operates July–August 2026, with possible expansion to May–August from 2027–2029. - Service must be complimentary to the public.

## Key Requirements - Compliance with the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD). - Adherence to National Green Public Procurement criteria. - Submission of standard Irish public sector documents (Tenderer’s Statement, Personal Circumstances, Confidentiality Agreement). - Proof of eligibility under the Open procedure; SMEs encouraged to form consortia if necessary.

## Commercials & Timeline - Estimated Value: €320,000 (excl. VAT) over the term. - Contract Duration: 1-year initial term (July 1, 2026 – August 31, 2026), with options to extend up to 3 times for 12 months each. - Submission Deadline: June 11, 2026, at 17:00 IST. - Framework/DPS: Not stated.

## How to Bid - Submission Method: Via the eTenders portal (https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/cft/viewTenders.do?resourceId=8067316). - Language: English. - Key Documents: Complete the RFT, Pricing Schedule, Tenderer’s Statement, Declaration of Personal Circumstances, and sign the Services Contract and Confidentiality Agreement.

## Bid Considerations - Seasonal Risk: Revenue is limited to peak summer months (July/August) in year one, requiring careful capacity planning. - Green Compliance: Strict adherence to Clean Vehicles Directive and environmental criteria is mandatory, potentially limiting eligible fleet options. - Extension Potential: The contract offers significant upside through three potential one-year extensions, stabilizing long-term revenue if performance is satisfactory. - SME Friendly: The authority explicitly encourages SME participation and consortium building, lowering barriers for smaller operators.

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.

Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage has 54 tender(s) tracked on TenderScout, of which 16 are currently open. On the EU TED record this buyer has awarded 150 contract(s) worth around €36,581,287.

Recent awarded suppliers include FORUM Connemara Ltd_103060, G Russell plant hire Ltd, IDEEA GLOBAL LIMITED, Carrig Conservation International Ltd, Andrew Power.