Education Procurement Service (EPS) has awarded a €4M multi-supplier bus hire services framework for Cork Education and Training Board to 24 suppliers.
16 Sep 2026
Education Procurement Service (EPS), a body governed by public law operating in the education sector, has awarded a multi-supplier framework agreement for the provision of bus hire services for Cork Education and Training Board (CETB) to 24 suppliers. The awarded value of the framework is €4,000,000.00, covering the hire of buses and coaches with driver for students, participants and staff travelling to and from schools and centres for various trips, with a duration of 48 months. The framework was awarded following an open procedure under the standard regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU. Introduction Education Procurement Service (EPS), a body governed by public law operating in the education sector, has conducted an open procedure for the establishment of a Multi Party Framework for the Provision of Bus Hire Services for Cork Education and Training Board. The framework covers students, participants and staff travelling from and to schools and centres for various individual trips, which may include day trips, sporting events, competitions, careers fairs, science outings, debates and award ceremonies. The list is not exhaustive. Call-off contracts will be run by schools and centres as requirements arise over the lifetime of the framework. The procurement is not financed with EU funds but is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA). No strategic procurement objectives were specified. The framework operates without reopening of competition. The estimated value and maximum framework value is €4,000,000.00. Twenty-six tenders were received, with a tender range from €10.00 (lowest admissible) to €4,000,000.00 (highest admissible). Twenty-four suppliers were appointed to the framework. Why This Contract Matters This framework ensures that Cork Education and Training Board has access to a panel of qualified bus hire service providers for student, participant and staff transport. This contract matters because it: Supports Education Transport: Provides bus hire services for schools and centres Significant Value: €4,000,000.00 maximum framework value Medium-Term Commitment: 48-month duration Multi-Supplier Framework: 24 suppliers appointed Quality Evaluation: Quality criterion (see tender documents) Strong Competition: 26 tenders received SME Participation: Winners include micro, small and medium enterprises Contract Timeline Date winner chosen: 09 September 2026 Contract concluded: 09 September 2026 Estimated duration: 48 months Notice published: 16 September 2026 (OJ S 179/2026) Notice dispatch date: 14 September 2026 Previous notice: f2d99b9a-bc87-48bd-a37a-956e7b861449-01 Contract Overview Education Procurement Service (EPS) conducted an open procedure under the standard regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU. Key features include: One lot: LOT-0001 Estimated value: €4,000,000.00 Maximum framework value: €4,000,000.00 Duration: 48 months Framework type: Framework agreement, without reopening of competition Evaluation: Quality criterion (see tender documents) Winners: 24 suppliers appointed Subcontracting: Not yet known No EU funding Covered by GPA: Yes Strategic procurement: No strategic procurement Key Contract Details Main classification: 60172000 Hire of buses and coaches with driver Additional classification: 34121000 Buses and coaches; 34114400 Minibuses; 34121100 Public-service buses; 79997000 Business travel services Place of performance: Dublin, Ireland (NUTS: IE061) Procedure identifier: d19ecf27-1337-4fe6-b65b-5e31dc008e96 Internal identifier: 0 Type of procedure: Open Accelerated procedure: No Legal basis: Directive 2014/24/EU Review body: The High Court of Ireland Lot Structure Lot 1 – Multi Supplier Framework for Bus Hire Services Title: TR3683F - Multi Supplier Framework Agreement for the Provision of Bus Hire Services - Cork Education and Training Board Description: Establishment of a Multi Party Framework for the Provision of Bus Hire Services for CETB for students/participants and staff travelling from and to Schools and Centres for various individual trips Estimated value: €4,000,000.00 Maximum framework value: €4,000,000.00 Winners: 24 suppliers appointed Tenders received: 26 Contract concluded: 09 September 2026 Duration: 48 months Lot Summary Table Lot Title Value (€) Winner Tenders 1 Multi Supplier Framework for Bus Hire Services – Cork ETB 4,000,000.00 24 suppliers (including Stephen Butler Coaches, Jerry Lehane, G and C Mackey Transport, Fogarty Coach Hire, Murphys Chauffeur Services, Galvins Coaches, C and H Coach Hire, Dave Long Coach Travel, Caha Coaches, Cavanaghs Coaches, Niall Johnson, Beara Cabs and Coaches, Donal McCarthy Coaches, Ballincollig Coaches, JD Express Coach Hire, Kealy's Coaches, OS Bus and Coach Services, Munster Coaches, Cahalane Coaches, Barrys Coaches, Hyway Coaches, O Sullivans Garage and Coaches, West Cork Coach Hire, Glenferry Coaches) 26 Total 4,000,000.00 Scope of Supply The framework covers the following services: Bus Hire: Hire of buses and coaches with driver Minibuses: Hire of minibuses Public-Service Buses: Hire of public-service buses School Trips: Day trips, sporting events, competitions, careers fairs, science outings, debates and award ceremonies Business Travel: Business travel services Special Procurement Conditions Multi-Supplier Framework: Call-off contracts will be run by schools/centres as requirements arise over the lifetime of the framework Framework Without Reopening: Framework agreement, without reopening of competition Call-off Contracts: Individual call-off contracts run by schools and centres Non-Exhaustive Trip List: The list of trip types is not exhaustive Subcontracting: Not yet known About the Contracting Authority Education Procurement Service (EPS) is a body governed by public law operating in the education sector in Ireland. Legal type: Body governed by public law Activity: Education Registration number: IE 6609370 G Location: Limerick, Ireland (NUTS: IE061) Address: Castletroy Limerick, V94 DK53 Email: info@educationprocurementservice.ie Telephone: 061 Internet address: https://www.educationprocurementservice.ie/ About the Winning Suppliers Twenty-four suppliers were appointed to the framework. Key winners include: Stephen Butler Coaches Ltd – Small enterprise, Midleton, Ireland (NUTS: IE053) Jerry Lehane – Small enterprise, Ireland (NUTS: IE061) G and C Mackey Transport Ltd – Small enterprise, Dungourney, Ireland (NUTS: IE053) Fogarty Coach Hire – Small enterprise, Killeagh, Ireland (NUTS: IE053) Murphys Chauffeur Services – Micro enterprise, Cork, Ireland (NUTS: IE053) Galvins Coaches Dunmanway Ltd – Small enterprise, Ireland (NUTS: IE061) C and H Coach Hire Ltd – Small enterprise, Ireland (NUTS: IE061) Dave Long Coach Travel – Small enterprise, Skibbereen, Ireland (NUTS: IE053) Caha Coaches Ltd – Small enterprise, Ireland (NUTS: IE061) Cavanaghs Coaches – Micro enterprise, Cork, Ireland (NUTS: IE053) Niall Johnson – Small enterprise, Ireland (NUTS: IE061) Beara Cabs and Coaches Ltd – Small enterprise, Castletownbere, Ireland (NUTS: IE053) Donal McCarthy Coaches – Small enterprise, Ireland (NUTS: IE061) Ballincollig Coaches Ltd. – Small enterprise, Cork, Ireland (NUTS: IE053) JD Express Coach Hire Limited – Micro enterprise, Cork, Ireland (NUTS: IE053) Kealy's Coaches – Small enterprise, Cork, Ireland (NUTS: IE053) OS Bus and Coach Services Ltd – Small enterprise, Ireland (NUTS: IE061) Munster Coaches Ltd – Small enterprise, Ireland (NUTS: IE061) Cahalane Coaches – Small enterprise, Ireland Barrys Coaches Ltd – Small enterprise, Ireland (NUTS: IE061) Hyway Coaches – Small enterprise, Ireland (NUTS: IE061) O Sullivans Garage and Coaches – Small enterprise, Co Cork, Ireland (NUTS: IE053) West Cork Coach Hire Ltd – Small enterprise, Cork, Ireland (NUTS: IE053) Glenferry Coaches Ltd – Medium enterprise, Cork, Ireland (NUTS: IE053) Evaluation Criteria The lot uses the following evaluation criterion: Quality: See tender documents (method description: see tender documents) Procurement Analysis Procedure: Open procedure under the standard regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU Competition: 26 tenders received Tender range: Lowest admissible tender €10.00; highest admissible tender €4,000,000.00 Subcontracting: Not yet known No EU funding: The procurement was not financed with EU funds Framework agreement: Framework agreement, without reopening of competition No dynamic purchasing system used Accelerated procedure: No Strategic procurement: No strategic procurement Review body: The High Court of Ireland Call for competition terminated: The call for competition has been terminated (contracts awarded) Additional Procurement Facts The contract is covered by the WTO's Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) No EU funds were used for this procurement The estimated value is €4,000,000.00 The maximum framework value is €4,000,000.00 The framework is a multi-supplier agreement with 24 winners Quality is the evaluation criterion Twenty-six tenders were received The winners include micro, small and medium enterprises Subcontracting is not yet known The framework duration is 48 months Framework operates without reopening of competition Market & Industry Perspective The Irish public sector bus hire market features a large number of small and medium-sized coach operators. Bus hire services are essential for school trips and educational activities, particularly for education and training boards serving dispersed populations. Key trends in this market include: Quality focus: Quality criterion evaluation Multi-supplier frameworks: Large panels of qualified suppliers SME dominance: Winners include micro, small and medium enterprises Medium-term frameworks: 48-month duration Call-off contracts: Schools and centres run call-offs as requirements arise Strong competition: 26 tenders received Economic Significance At €4,000,000.00, this framework represents a significant investment in bus hire services for Cork Education and Training Board. The contract will: Support Education Transport: Provide bus hire services for schools and centres Support SMEs: Winners include micro, small and medium enterprises Provide Medium-Term Stability: 48-month framework Ensure Service Availability: Multi-supplier framework with 24 winners Enable Operational Flexibility: Call-off contracts run as requirements arise Support Educational Activities: Facilitate student trips and events Future Procurement Opportunities With this framework now in place, future opportunities include: Re-tender: Expected after the 48-month maximum duration Related Services: Additional bus hire and transport services Subcontracting: Potential opportunities with framework winners Other Irish Education Bodies: Similar bus hire services procurements Framework Call-offs: Opportunities through call-off contracts Opportunities for Suppliers While this contract is awarded, opportunities remain for bus hire service providers: Re-tender: Prepare for the next procurement cycle Subcontracting: Potential opportunities with framework winners Related Services: Other bus hire and transport services Other Irish Education Bodies: Similar bus hire services procurements Framework Call-offs: Monitor call-off opportunities What Businesses Should Watch Education Procurement Service's future procurement notices Other Irish education bus hire tenders Bus and coach hire market trends Changes to Irish procurement regulations Framework call-off opportunities IrelandTenders Procurement Intelligence This bus hire services framework is a notable example of Irish public sector procurement. Several features stand out: Scale: €4M over 48 months Quality focus: Quality criterion evaluation Multi-supplier framework: 24 winners appointed Strong competition: 26 tenders received SME winners: Micro, small and medium enterprises Call-off contracts: Run by schools and centres For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of: Quality: Quality-based evaluation Bus hire capability: Ability to provide buses and coaches with driver Public sector experience: Understanding of Irish education transport requirements Scale capability: Ability to serve schools and centres across Cork Framework awareness: Understanding of multi-supplier frameworks and call-offs Supplier Takeaways Ensure high quality – quality is the evaluation criterion Demonstrate bus and coach hire capability Develop public sector experience with Irish education bodies Demonstrate scale capability for serving schools and centres Monitor Education Procurement Service and Irish education procurement opportunities Prepare for framework call-off opportunities Key Takeaways Education Procurement Service awarded a €4,000,000.00 multi-supplier bus hire services framework for Cork Education and Training Board One lot: Multi Supplier Framework for the Provision of Bus Hire Services Duration: 48 months Evaluation: Quality criterion 26 tenders received; 24 suppliers appointed Winners include micro, small and medium enterprises Subcontracting: Not yet known No EU funding Covered by GPA: Yes Framework without reopening of competition Call-off contracts run by schools and centres Conclusion This bus hire services framework ensures that Cork Education and Training Board has access to a broad panel of qualified bus hire service providers for student, participant and staff transport. By appointing 24 suppliers, the Education Procurement Service secures a diverse panel with the capability to deliver bus and coach hire services across Cork. The quality-focused evaluation reflects the importance of service quality in bus hire procurement, where reliability and suitability are primary considerations. The multi-supplier framework structure and the call-off model reflect the flexible and demand-driven nature of educational transport needs. For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of quality, bus hire capability, public sector experience, scale capability, and framework awareness in winning Irish public sector bus hire services contracts. Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is Education Procurement Service (EPS)? Ans: A body governed by public law operating in the education sector in Ireland. Q: What is the value of the framework? Ans: Estimated and maximum framework value €4,000,000.00. Q: Who are the winners? Ans: 24 suppliers were appointed, including Stephen Butler Coaches Ltd, Jerry Lehane, G and C Mackey Transport Ltd, Fogarty Coach Hire, Murphys Chauffeur Services, Galvins Coaches Dunmanway Ltd, C and H Coach Hire Ltd, Dave Long Coach Travel, Caha Coaches Ltd, Cavanaghs Coaches, Niall Johnson, Beara Cabs and Coaches Ltd, Donal McCarthy Coaches, Ballincollig Coaches Ltd., JD Express Coach Hire Limited, Kealy's Coaches, OS Bus and Coach Services Ltd, Munster Coaches Ltd, Cahalane Coaches, Barrys Coaches Ltd, Hyway Coaches, O Sullivans Garage and Coaches, West Cork Coach Hire Ltd, and Glenferry Coaches Ltd. Q: What services are covered? Ans: Hire of buses and coaches with driver for students, participants and staff travelling to and from schools and centres for various trips. Q: What were the evaluation criteria? Ans: Quality criterion (see tender documents). Q: How long is the contract? Ans: 48 months. Q: How many tenders were received? Ans: Twenty-six tenders. Q: Is this contract funded by the EU? Ans: No, the procurement is not financed with EU funds. Q: What is the review body? Ans: The High Court of Ireland. Q: What is the lot structure? Ans: One lot – LOT-0001 (TR3683F - Multi Supplier Framework Agreement for the Provision of Bus Hire Services - Cork Education and Training Board). Q: Is subcontracting allowed? Ans: Subcontracting is not yet known. Q: How are call-off contracts run? Ans: Call-off contracts are run by schools and centres as requirements arise over the lifetime of the framework. Source: EU Official Journal, Contract Award Notice 636700-2026, OJ S 179/2026, published 16 September 2026. ```
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Kildare County Council has awarded a €4.29M social housing construction contract to Axis Construction Limited.
15 Sep 2026
Kildare County Council, a body governed by public law controlled by a local authority, has awarded a contract for the Design and Construction of 13 No Social housing units at St Evins Park Monasterevin Co Kildare to Axis Construction Limited. The awarded value of the contract is €4,288,310.50, covering residential homes construction work to be carried out under the PWC-02 for Kildare County Council, with a duration of 18 months. The contract was awarded following an open procedure under the standard regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU. Introduction Kildare County Council, a body governed by public law controlled by a local authority operating in general public services, has conducted an open procedure for the Design and Construction of 13 No Social housing units at St Evins Park Monasterevin Co Kildare. The works are to be carried out under the PWC-02 for Kildare County Council. The contract has an estimated value of €4,288,310.50 and an estimated duration of 18 months. The procurement was conducted under the standard regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU. The procurement is not financed with EU funds but is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA). No strategic procurement objectives were specified. The evaluation is based on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT), with quality weighted at 70% and price weighted at 30%. Three tenders were received, and one winner was appointed. Why This Contract Matters This contract ensures the delivery of new social housing units in Monasterevin, County Kildare, contributing to housing provision in the Mid-East region of Ireland. This contract matters because it: Supports Social Housing: Delivers 13 social housing units Significant Value: €4,288,310.50 awarded value Medium-Term Commitment: 18-month construction duration Quality Focus: 70% quality, 30% price (MEAT) Competition: 3 tenders received SME Participation: Winner is a medium enterprise Public Housing Delivery: Supports local authority housing objectives Contract Timeline Contract concluded: 27 August 2026 Estimated duration: 18 months Notice published: 15 September 2026 (OJ S 178/2026) Notice dispatch date: 14 September 2026 Previous notice: b4fa559a-7cbc-4a87-a9d2-7771d516e364-01 Contract Overview Kildare County Council conducted an open procedure under the standard regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU. Key features include: One lot: LOT-0001 Estimated value: €4,288,310.50 Awarded value: €4,288,310.50 Duration: 18 months Framework type: No framework agreement Evaluation: Quality (70%) and Price (30%) – MEAT Winner: Axis Construction Limited (medium enterprise) Subcontracting: Not yet known No EU funding Covered by GPA: Yes Strategic procurement: No strategic procurement Key Contract Details Main classification: 45215214 Residential homes construction work Place of performance: Mid-East, Ireland (NUTS: IE062) Procedure identifier: 6fd5ccca-ac43-4ab6-96a7-840d50db577d Internal identifier: 0 Type of procedure: Open Accelerated procedure: No Legal basis: Directive 2014/24/EU Review body: The High Court of Ireland Lot Structure Lot 1 – Design and Construction of 13 Social Housing Units Title: Design and Construction of 13 No Social housing units at St Evins Park Monasterevin Co Kildare Description: Design and Construction of 13 No Social housing units at St Evins Park Monasterevin Co Kildare to be carried out under the PWC-02 for Kildare County Council Estimated value: €4,288,310.50 Awarded value: €4,288,310.50 Winner: Axis Construction Limited Tenders received: 3 Contract concluded: 27 August 2026 Duration: 18 months Contract identifier: 458102 Lot Summary Table Lot Title Value (€) Winner Tenders 1 Design and Construction of 13 Social Housing Units 4,288,310.50 Axis Construction Limited 3 Total 4,288,310.50 Scope of Supply The contract covers the following works: Design: Design of 13 social housing units Construction: Construction of 13 social housing units Residential Homes: Residential homes construction work PWC-02: Works to be carried out under the PWC-02 for Kildare County Council Special Procurement Conditions PWC-02: Works to be carried out under the PWC-02 for Kildare County Council MEAT Evaluation: Most Economically Advantageous Tender No Framework Agreement: No framework agreement Subcontracting: Not yet known No Strategic Procurement: No strategic objectives specified About the Contracting Authority Kildare County Council is a body governed by public law controlled by a local authority, operating in general public services in County Kildare, Ireland. Legal type: Body governed by public law, controlled by a local authority Activity: General public services Registration number: 0013247i Location: Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland (NUTS: IE062) Address: Kildare County Council, Head Office Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, Co. Kildare, W91 X77F Email: procurement@kildarecoco.ie Telephone: 0035345980200 Internet address: http://www.kildarecoco.ie About the Winning Supplier Axis Construction Limited is a medium enterprise based in Letterkenny, Ireland, specialising in construction works. Size: Medium enterprise Registration number: 407502 Location: Letterkenny, Ireland (NUTS: IE041) Address: Main Street Dungloe, Co. Donegal Email: pg@axis.construction Telephone: 07495 22555 Internet address: www.axis.construction Subcontracting: Not yet known Evaluation Criteria The lot uses the following evaluation criteria: Quality (70%): Quality at 70% Price (30%): Price at 30% Method: MEAT (Most Economically Advantageous Tender) Procurement Analysis Procedure: Open procedure under the standard regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU Competition: 3 tenders received Subcontracting: Not yet known No EU funding: The procurement was not financed with EU funds No framework agreement: No framework agreement No dynamic purchasing system used Accelerated procedure: No Strategic procurement: No strategic procurement Review body: The High Court of Ireland Call for competition terminated: The call for competition has been terminated (contract awarded) Additional Procurement Facts The contract is covered by the WTO's Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) No EU funds were used for this procurement The estimated value is €4,288,310.50 The awarded value is €4,288,310.50 The procurement is divided into one lot Quality (70%) and Price (30%) are the evaluation criteria (MEAT) Three tenders were received The winner is a medium enterprise Subcontracting is not yet known The contract duration is 18 months Works are to be carried out under the PWC-02 for Kildare County Council Market & Industry Perspective The Irish public sector social housing construction market features a mix of large and medium-sized construction companies. Social housing delivery is essential for meeting housing needs in local authority areas such as County Kildare. Key trends in this market include: Quality focus: 70% quality, 30% price (MEAT) SME participation: Medium enterprise winner Social housing delivery: Construction of social housing units Medium-term contracts: 18-month construction duration Local authority procurement: County council tendering Public housing objectives: Supporting local authority housing provision Economic Significance At €4,288,310.50, this contract represents a significant investment in social housing construction in Monasterevin, County Kildare. The contract will: Support Social Housing: Deliver 13 social housing units Support SME: Axis Construction Limited is a medium enterprise Provide Medium-Term Stability: 18-month construction duration Ensure Housing Delivery: Contract with one supplier Enable Community Development: Contribute to housing provision in the Mid-East region Support Local Authority Objectives: Assist Kildare County Council in meeting housing targets Future Procurement Opportunities With this contract now in place, future opportunities include: Re-tender: Expected after the 18-month construction duration Related Works: Additional social housing and residential construction Subcontracting: Potential opportunities with Axis Construction Limited Other Kildare County Council Projects: Similar social housing procurement opportunities Other Irish Local Authorities: Similar social housing construction procurements Opportunities for Suppliers While this contract is awarded, opportunities remain for construction suppliers: Re-tender: Prepare for future procurement cycles Subcontracting: Potential opportunities with Axis Construction Limited Related Works: Other social housing and residential construction Other Irish Local Authorities: Similar social housing construction procurements What Businesses Should Watch Kildare County Council's future procurement notices Other Irish local authority social housing tenders Residential homes construction market trends Changes to Irish procurement regulations Social housing development programmes in the Mid-East region IrelandTenders Procurement Intelligence This social housing construction contract is a notable example of Irish public sector procurement. Several features stand out: Scale: €4.29M over 18 months Quality focus: 70% quality, 30% price (MEAT) SME winner: Axis Construction Limited One lot: Design and Construction of 13 social housing units Competition: 3 tenders received Local authority procurement: Kildare County Council tendering For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of: Quality: 70% quality-based evaluation Competitive pricing: 30% price-based evaluation Construction capability: Ability to design and construct residential homes Public sector experience: Understanding of Irish local authority requirements Scale capability: Ability to deliver medium-sized construction projects Supplier Takeaways Ensure high quality – 70% of evaluation is quality-based Offer competitive pricing – 30% of evaluation is price-based Demonstrate residential construction capability Develop public sector experience with Irish local authorities Demonstrate scale capability for medium-sized construction projects Monitor Kildare County Council and Irish local authority procurement opportunities Key Takeaways Kildare County Council awarded a €4,288,310.50 social housing construction contract to Axis Construction Limited One lot: Design and Construction of 13 No Social housing units at St Evins Park Monasterevin Co Kildare Duration: 18 months Evaluation: Quality (70%) and Price (30%) – MEAT 3 tenders received Winner is a medium enterprise Subcontracting: Not yet known No EU funding Covered by GPA: Yes Works to be carried out under the PWC-02 for Kildare County Council Conclusion This social housing construction contract ensures the delivery of 13 social housing units in Monasterevin, County Kildare, contributing to housing provision in the Mid-East region of Ireland. By awarding the contract to Axis Construction Limited, Kildare County Council secures a reliable supplier with the capability to deliver residential homes construction. The 70% quality and 30% price evaluation under the MEAT approach reflects the importance of both quality and cost in social housing construction procurement. The 18-month construction duration reflects the medium-term nature of the project. For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of quality, competitive pricing, construction capability, public sector experience, and scale capability in winning Irish public sector social housing construction contracts. Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is Kildare County Council? Ans: A body governed by public law controlled by a local authority, operating in general public services in County Kildare, Ireland. Q: What is the value of the contract? Ans: Awarded value €4,288,310.50. Q: Who is the winner? Ans: Axis Construction Limited, a medium enterprise based in Letterkenny, Ireland. Q: What works are covered? Ans: Design and Construction of 13 No Social housing units at St Evins Park Monasterevin Co Kildare, to be carried out under the PWC-02 for Kildare County Council. Q: What were the evaluation criteria? Ans: Quality (70%) and Price (30%) – MEAT. Q: How long is the contract? Ans: 18 months. Q: How many tenders were received? Ans: Three tenders. Q: Is this contract funded by the EU? Ans: No, the procurement is not financed with EU funds. Q: What is the review body? Ans: The High Court of Ireland. Q: What is the lot structure? Ans: One lot – LOT-0001 (Design and Construction of 13 No Social housing units at St Evins Park Monasterevin Co Kildare). Q: Is subcontracting allowed? Ans: Subcontracting is not yet known. Q: What is the PWC-02? Ans: The Public Works Contract PWC-02 under which the works are to be carried out for Kildare County Council. Source: EU Official Journal, Contract Award Notice 634167-2026, OJ S 178/2026, published 15 September 2026. ```
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Trinity College Dublin has awarded a €1.05M tea and coffee products contract to Valeo Professional.
14 Sep 2026
Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, a body governed by public law operating in the education sector, has awarded a contract for the provision of tea and coffee products, including free on loan equipment to the TCD Catering Team, to Valeo Professional. The awarded value of the contract is €1,050,000.00, covering coffee, tea and related products with a duration of 60 months. The contract was awarded following an open procedure under the standard regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU. Introduction Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, a body governed by public law operating in the education sector, has conducted an open procedure for the provision of tea and coffee products for Trinity College Dublin. The University seeks to appoint a competent contractor for the provision of tea and coffee products, including free on loan equipment to the TCD Catering Team. The contract has an estimated value of €1,050,000.00 and runs for 60 months. The procurement was conducted under the standard regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU. The procurement is not financed with EU funds but is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA). No strategic procurement objectives were specified. Tenders were required to be submitted via the electronic postbox on www.etenders.gov.ie, with only electronic submissions accepted. Five tenders were received, and one winner was appointed. Why This Contract Matters This contract ensures that Trinity College Dublin has access to reliable tea and coffee products and equipment for its catering operations. This contract matters because it: Supports University Catering: Provides tea and coffee products for TCD Catering Team Significant Value: €1,050,000.00 awarded value Long-Term Commitment: 60-month duration Equipment Included: Free on loan equipment provided Quality Focus: Quality criterion evaluation Competition: 5 tenders received SME Participation: Winner is a medium enterprise Contract Timeline Contract concluded: 09 September 2026 Date winner chosen: 18 August 2026 Estimated duration: 60 months Notice published: 14 September 2026 (OJ S 177/2026) Notice dispatch date: 10 September 2026 Contract Overview Trinity College Dublin conducted an open procedure under the standard regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU. Key features include: One lot: LOT-0001 Estimated value: €1,050,000.00 Awarded value: €1,050,000.00 Duration: 60 months Framework type: No framework agreement Evaluation: Quality criterion Winner: Valeo Professional (medium enterprise) Subcontracting: No No EU funding Covered by GPA: Yes Strategic procurement: No strategic procurement Key Contract Details Main classification: 15860000 Coffee, tea and related products Additional classification: 15861000 Coffee; 15861100 Roasted coffee; 15863000 Tea; 09320000 Steam, hot water and associated products Place of performance: Dublin, Ireland (NUTS: IE061) Procedure identifier: 51975aca-978c-4595-83ff-21375fac584f Internal identifier: 0 Type of procedure: Open Accelerated procedure: No Legal basis: Directive 2014/24/EU Review body: The High Court of Ireland Previous notice: 809feadd-0262-404d-a31c-a120bac25cca-01 Lot Structure Lot 1 – Provision of Tea and Coffee Products Title: Provision of Tea and Coffee Products for Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin Description: Provision of tea and coffee products, including free on loan equipment to the TCD Catering Team Estimated value: €1,050,000.00 Awarded value: €1,050,000.00 Winner: Valeo Professional Tenders received: 5 Contract concluded: 09 September 2026 Duration: 60 months Lot Summary Table Lot Title Value (€) Winner Tenders 1 Provision of Tea and Coffee Products 1,050,000.00 Valeo Professional 5 Total 1,050,000.00 Scope of Supply The contract covers the following products: Coffee: Coffee and roasted coffee products Tea: Tea products Related Products: Coffee, tea and related products Steam and Hot Water: Steam, hot water and associated products Equipment: Free on loan equipment for the TCD Catering Team Special Procurement Conditions Electronic Submission: Tenders must be submitted via the electronic postbox on www.etenders.gov.ie Only Electronic Tenders Accepted: Tenders submitted by email, fax, post or hand delivery will NOT be accepted Late Tenders: Tenders submitted late will NOT be accepted Free on Loan Equipment: Equipment provided free on loan to the TCD Catering Team No Subcontracting: No subcontracting declared by winner About the Contracting Authority Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, is a body governed by public law operating in the education sector. The organisation is Ireland's oldest university, responsible for higher education and research. Legal type: Body governed by public law Activity: Education Registration number: CHY 11 Location: Dublin, Ireland (NUTS: IE061) Address: 3 College Green, Dublin, D02 XH97 Email: hughesgo@tcd.ie Telephone: 018964596 Internet address: https://www.tcd.ie About the Winning Supplier Valeo Professional is a medium enterprise based in Dublin, Ireland, operating under Findlater & Co, specialising in tea and coffee products. Size: Medium enterprise Registration number: 141059 Department: Findlater & Co Location: Dublin 24, Ireland (NUTS: IE061) Address: 79 Broomhill Road, Tymon North, Dublin 24, D24AV9R Email: Paul.White@valeofoods.ie Internet address: https://www.findlaterandco.com/coffee/our-brands/heritage/robert-roberts/ Subcontracting: No Evaluation Criteria The lot uses the following evaluation criterion: Quality: Quality criterion (method description: quality) Procurement Analysis Procedure: Open procedure under the standard regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU Competition: 5 tenders received Tender range: Lowest admissible tender €1,050,000.00; highest admissible tender €1,050,000.00 Subcontracting: No subcontracting declared No EU funding: The procurement was not financed with EU funds No framework agreement: No framework agreement No dynamic purchasing system used Accelerated procedure: No Strategic procurement: No strategic procurement Review body: The High Court of Ireland Call for competition terminated: The call for competition has been terminated (contract awarded) Additional Procurement Facts The contract is covered by the WTO's Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) No EU funds were used for this procurement The estimated value is €1,050,000.00 The awarded value is €1,050,000.00 The procurement is divided into one lot Quality is the evaluation criterion Five tenders were received The winner is a medium enterprise No subcontracting was declared The contract duration is 60 months Free on loan equipment included Market & Industry Perspective The Irish public sector tea and coffee supply market features a mix of national and international suppliers. Tea and coffee products are essential for university catering operations, particularly for large institutions such as Trinity College Dublin. Key trends in this market include: Quality focus: Quality criterion evaluation SME participation: Medium enterprise winner Long-term contracts: 60-month duration Equipment inclusion: Free on loan equipment provided Electronic procurement: Only electronic tenders accepted Higher education procurement: University catering requirements Economic Significance At €1,050,000.00, this contract represents a significant investment in tea and coffee products for Trinity College Dublin. The contract will: Support University Catering: Provide tea and coffee products for TCD Catering Team Support SME: Valeo Professional is a medium enterprise Provide Long-Term Stability: 60-month contract Ensure Supply Security: Contract with one supplier Include Equipment: Free on loan equipment for catering operations Enable Operational Efficiency: Standardised tea and coffee supply Future Procurement Opportunities With this contract now in place, future opportunities include: Re-tender: Expected after the 60-month maximum duration Related Products: Additional tea, coffee and related products Subcontracting: Potential opportunities with Valeo Professional Other Irish Universities: Similar tea and coffee procurements Equipment Supply: Potential opportunities for catering equipment Opportunities for Suppliers While this contract is awarded, opportunities remain for tea and coffee suppliers: Re-tender: Prepare for the next procurement cycle Subcontracting: Potential opportunities with Valeo Professional Related Products: Other tea, coffee and related products Other Irish Higher Education Institutions: Similar tea and coffee procurements What Businesses Should Watch Trinity College Dublin's future procurement notices Other Irish higher education tea and coffee tenders Tea and coffee products market trends Changes to Irish procurement regulations Electronic procurement requirements IrelandTenders Procurement Intelligence This tea and coffee supply contract is a notable example of Irish public sector procurement. Several features stand out: Scale: €1.05M over 60 months Quality focus: Quality criterion evaluation SME winner: Valeo Professional One lot: Provision of tea and coffee products Equipment included: Free on loan equipment Competition: 5 tenders received For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of: Quality: Quality-based evaluation Product range: Ability to supply tea, coffee and related products Equipment provision: Ability to provide free on loan equipment Public sector experience: Understanding of Irish university requirements Electronic tendering: Compliance with electronic submission requirements Supplier Takeaways Ensure high quality – quality is the evaluation criterion Demonstrate ability to supply tea, coffee and related products Show capability to provide free on loan equipment Develop public sector experience with Irish higher education institutions Monitor Trinity College Dublin and Irish university procurement opportunities Comply with electronic tendering requirements Key Takeaways Trinity College Dublin awarded a €1,050,000.00 tea and coffee products contract to Valeo Professional One lot: Provision of tea and coffee products, including free on loan equipment Duration: 60 months Evaluation: Quality criterion 5 tenders received Winner is a medium enterprise No subcontracting declared No EU funding Covered by GPA: Yes Electronic submission only via www.etenders.gov.ie Conclusion This tea and coffee products contract ensures that Trinity College Dublin has access to reliable tea and coffee products and equipment for its catering operations. By awarding the contract to Valeo Professional, Trinity College Dublin secures a reliable supplier with the capability to deliver tea, coffee and related products. The quality-focused evaluation reflects the importance of product quality in tea and coffee supply procurement. The 60-month duration and the inclusion of free on loan equipment reflect the long-term and service-oriented nature of the contract. For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of product quality, product range, equipment provision, public sector experience, and electronic tendering compliance in winning Irish public sector tea and coffee supply contracts. Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is Trinity College Dublin? Ans: Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, is a body governed by public law operating in the education sector, Ireland's oldest university. Q: What is the value of the contract? Ans: Awarded value €1,050,000.00. Q: Who is the winner? Ans: Valeo Professional, a medium enterprise based in Dublin, Ireland, operating under Findlater & Co. Q: What products are covered? Ans: Tea and coffee products, including coffee, roasted coffee, tea, and related products, plus free on loan equipment. Q: What were the evaluation criteria? Ans: Quality criterion. Q: How long is the contract? Ans: 60 months. Q: How many tenders were received? Ans: Five tenders. Q: Is this contract funded by the EU? Ans: No, the procurement is not financed with EU funds. Q: What is the review body? Ans: The High Court of Ireland. Q: What is the lot structure? Ans: One lot – LOT-0001 (Provision of Tea and Coffee Products for Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin). Q: Is subcontracting allowed? Ans: No subcontracting was declared by the winner. Q: How must tenders be submitted? Ans: Tenders must be submitted via the electronic postbox on www.etenders.gov.ie; only electronic submissions are accepted. Source: EU Official Journal, Contract Award Notice 630766-2026, OJ S 177/2026, published 14 September 2026. ```
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