Dublin City Council Awards €10M Sports Clothing Framework to Multiple Winners

Dublin City Council has awarded a multi-party framework agreement for the supply of indoor and outdoor sports clothing, footwear, and swimwear across three lots. The total maximum value is €10 million. Lot 1 (Branded Sports Clothing) was awarded to Camden Clothing, Axis Group Sales Ltd, and O'Reilly's Sports Ltd. Lot 2 (Footwear) and Lot 3 (Swimwear) were both awarded to Axis Group Sales Ltd. The framework covers uniforms for DCC Sports and Recreation Centres' 300+ staff across 27 facilities.

Introduction

Dublin City Council has conducted an open procedure for the establishment of a multi-party framework agreement for the supply of indoor and outdoor sports clothing, footwear, and swimwear. The framework covers staff uniforms for DCC Sports and Recreation Centres, used by staff during day-to-day duties including studio teaching, swimming instruction, lifeguarding, outdoor activities, cleaning, and general operations.

The procurement is divided into three lots: Lot 1 (Branded Sports Clothing) with a maximum value of €7 million, Lot 2 (Footwear) with a maximum value of €2.9 million, and Lot 3 (Swimwear) with a maximum value of €100,000. The total maximum value is €10 million.

Lot 1 was awarded to three suppliers: Camden Clothing, Axis Group Sales Ltd, and O'Reilly's Sports Ltd. Lot 2 and Lot 3 were both awarded to Axis Group Sales Ltd. The framework covers DCC's 27 sports facilities with over 300 staff.

Why This Contract Matters

This contract ensures that Dublin City Council's sports centres have a reliable supply of quality, durable staff uniforms for its 300+ employees across 27 facilities.

This contract matters because it:

• Supports public services: Provides uniforms for DCC sports centre staff
• Significant value: €10,000,000 across three lots
• Comprehensive scope: Clothing, footwear, and swimwear
• Multi-supplier: Three suppliers for Lot 1
• SME participation: All winners are SMEs
• Quality focus: Quality weighting of 60%
• Strong competition: 10 tenders received

Contract Timeline

• Contracts concluded: 15 July 2026
• Notice published: 8 September 2026 (OJ S 173/2026)

Contract Overview

Dublin City Council conducted an open procedure under the standard regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU.

Key features include:

• Three lots: Lot 1 (Branded Sports Clothing), Lot 2 (Footwear), Lot 3 (Swimwear)
• Total maximum value: €10,000,000
• Lot 1 maximum: €7,000,000
• Lot 2 maximum: €2,900,000
• Lot 3 maximum: €100,000
• Framework type: Multi-party, without reopening of competition
• Evaluation: Methodology (20%), Fitness for Purpose (40%), Cost (40%)
• Winners: Camden Clothing, Axis Group Sales Ltd, O'Reilly's Sports Ltd
• No subcontracting declared
• No EU funding
• All winners are SMEs

Key Contract Details

Detail	Information
Contracting authority	Dublin City Council
Contract title	CFT-7176492 Multi Party Framework Agreement for the supply of Indoor and outdoor sports clothing, footwear and swimwear for Dublin City Council 3 Lots
Main CPV	18000000 Clothing, footwear, luggage articles and accessories
Additional CPVs	18412800, 18410000, 18400000, 18820000, 18412000, 18412200
Procedure type	Open procedure (standard regime)
Legal basis	EU Directive 2014/24/EU
Total maximum value (EUR)	€10,000,000.00
Number of lots	3
EU funding	None
Covered by GPA	Yes
Evaluation criteria	Methodology (20%), Fitness for Purpose (40%), Cost (40%)
Location	Dublin, Ireland (NUTS: IE061)
Subcontracting	No
Number of tenders	10 (for each lot)
SME participation	All winners are SMEs

Lot Structure

Lot 1 – Branded Sports Clothing

• Maximum value: €7,000,000
• Winners: Camden Clothing (Rank 1), Axis Group Sales Ltd (Rank 2), O'Reilly's Sports Ltd (Rank 3)
• Scope: Branded sports clothing for staff uniforms
• Tenders received: 10

Lot 2 – Footwear

• Maximum value: €2,900,000
• Winner: Axis Group Sales Ltd
• Scope: Sports footwear for staff uniforms
• Tenders received: 10

Lot 3 – Swimwear

• Maximum value: €100,000
• Winner: Axis Group Sales Ltd
• Scope: Swimwear for swimming instructors and lifeguards
• Tenders received: 10

Lot Summary Table

Lot	Title	Max Value (€)	Winners	Tenders
1	Branded Sports Clothing	7,000,000	Camden Clothing, Axis Group, O'Reilly's Sports	10
2	Footwear	2,900,000	Axis Group Sales Ltd	10
3	Swimwear	100,000	Axis Group Sales Ltd	10
Total		10,000,000

Product Requirements

• Durability: Goods must be durable and easy to maintain
• Machine washable: All items must be machine washable
• Colourfast: Must retain colour after washing
• Sizing: Available in male and female sizes
• Branding: Clothing and swimwear must include DCC branding
• Delivery: Delivery required within six weeks of ordering
• Facilities: 27 sports facilities with 300+ staff

About the Contracting Authority

Dublin City Council is the local authority for Dublin, the capital city of Ireland. The Council operates 27 sports and recreation centres with over 300 staff, providing sports, leisure, and recreational services to Dublin residents.

About the Winners

Lot 1 Winners

• Camden Clothing: SME based in Dublin, specialising in branded clothing and sportswear.
• Axis Group Sales Ltd: SME based in Maynooth, Co. Kildare, specialising in sports and leisure products.
• O'Reilly's Sports Ltd: SME based in Ballybofey, Co. Donegal, specialising in sports clothing and equipment.

Lot 2 & 3 Winner

• Axis Group Sales Ltd: SME based in Maynooth, Co. Kildare, awarded both Lot 2 (Footwear) and Lot 3 (Swimwear).

Evaluation Criteria

All lots use the same evaluation criteria:

• Methodology (20%): Quality of the proposed delivery and service methodology
• Fitness for Purpose (40%): Quality and suitability of the products
• Cost (40%): Overall cost of the goods

Procurement Analysis

• Procedure: Open procedure under the standard regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU.
• Competition: Ten tenders for each lot.
• SME participation: All winners are SMEs.
• Subcontracting: No subcontracting was declared.
• No EU funding: The procurement was not financed with EU funds.
• No framework agreement with reopening: The framework is without reopening of competition.
• No dynamic purchasing system used.
• Accelerated procedure: No.
• Strategic procurement: No strategic objectives specified.
• Review body: The High Court of Ireland.

Additional Procurement Facts

• The contract is covered by the WTO's Government Procurement Agreement (GPA).
• No EU funds were used for this procurement.
• The framework has a total maximum value of €10,000,000.
• Lot 1 is the largest lot at €7,000,000.
• Lot 3 is the smallest lot at €100,000.
• Ten tenders were received for each lot.
• All winners are SMEs.
• No subcontracting was declared.
• Axis Group Sales Ltd won all three lots (Lot 1 shared).
• Goods must include DCC branding.
• Delivery required within six weeks.
• The framework covers 27 facilities and 300+ staff.

Market & Industry Perspective

The Irish public sector uniform and sportswear market is competitive, with a mix of Irish and international suppliers. Dublin City Council, as Ireland's largest local authority, conducts significant procurement for staff uniforms and equipment.

Key trends in this market include:

• Quality focus: 60% weighting on quality (Methodology + Fitness for Purpose)
• SME participation: SMEs compete effectively
• Branding: Growing demand for branded uniforms
• Durability: Products must withstand heavy use
• Multi-supplier frameworks: Diversity of supply

Economic Significance

At €10 million, this framework represents a significant investment in staff uniforms for Dublin City Council's sports centres. The contract will:

• Support public services: Provide uniforms for sports centre staff
• Support SMEs: All winners are SMEs
• Ensure quality: 60% quality weighting
• Provide supply security: Multi-supplier framework
• Enable brand consistency: DCC branding across all items

Future Procurement Opportunities

With this framework now in place, future opportunities include:

• Re-tender: Expected after the framework period
• Related services: Additional uniform and sportswear items
• Subcontracting: Potential opportunities with the winners
• Other Irish local authorities: Similar uniform procurements

Opportunities for Suppliers

While this framework is awarded, opportunities remain for sportswear and uniform suppliers:

• Subcontracting: Potential opportunities with the winners
• Re-tender: Prepare for the next procurement cycle
• Related services: Other Irish public sector uniform tenders
• Specialist items: Niche sportswear products

What Businesses Should Watch

• Dublin City Council's future procurement notices
• Other Irish local authority uniform tenders
• Sportswear and uniform market trends
• Changes to Irish procurement regulations

IrelandTenders Procurement Intelligence

This sports clothing framework is a notable example of Irish local authority procurement. Several features stand out:

• Scale: €10M across 3 lots
• Competition: 10 tenders for each lot
• Quality focus: 60% weighting on quality
• SME winners: All winners are SMEs
• Multi-supplier: Three winners for Lot 1
• Branded: All items require DCC branding

For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of:

• Quality demonstration: Quality accounts for 60% of evaluation
• Competitive pricing: Cost accounts for 40%
• Branding capability: Ability to apply branding
• SME status: SMEs can compete effectively
• Product durability: Fitness for purpose

Supplier Takeaways

• Demonstrate high quality – 60% of evaluation (Methodology 20% + Fitness for Purpose 40%)
• Offer competitive pricing – 40% weighting
• Show branding capability
• Ensure product durability
• Monitor Irish local authority procurement opportunities

Key Takeaways

• Dublin City Council awarded a €10M sports clothing framework
• Lot 1 (Branded Sports Clothing): Camden Clothing, Axis Group, O'Reilly's Sports
• Lot 2 (Footwear): Axis Group Sales Ltd
• Lot 3 (Swimwear): Axis Group Sales Ltd
• Evaluation: Methodology (20%), Fitness for Purpose (40%), Cost (40%)
• 10 tenders for each lot
• All winners are SMEs
• No subcontracting declared
• 27 facilities, 300+ staff

Conclusion

This sports clothing, footwear, and swimwear framework ensures that Dublin City Council's sports centres have a reliable supply of quality, durable staff uniforms for their 300+ employees across 27 facilities. By awarding contracts across three lots to SME suppliers, the Council supports local enterprise while ensuring quality and value for money.

The 60% weighting on quality (Methodology 20% + Fitness for Purpose 40%) reflects the importance of product quality and suitability in staff uniforms, while the 40% weighting on cost ensures value for money. The requirement for DCC branding ensures consistency across all facilities.

For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of quality, competitive pricing, and branding capability in winning Irish local authority uniform contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Dublin City Council?

Ans: The local authority for Dublin, the capital city of Ireland, operating 27 sports and recreation centres with 300+ staff.

Q: What is the total value of the framework?

Ans: €10,000,000 across three lots.

Q: Who are the winners?

Ans: Camden Clothing, Axis Group Sales Ltd, and O'Reilly's Sports Ltd (Lot 1); Axis Group Sales Ltd (Lots 2 and 3).

Q: What are the three lots?

Ans: Lot 1 – Branded Sports Clothing, Lot 2 – Footwear, Lot 3 – Swimwear.

Q: What were the evaluation criteria?

Ans: Methodology (20%), Fitness for Purpose (40%), Cost (40%).

Q: How many tenders were received?

Ans: 10 tenders for each lot.

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 size are the winners?

Ans: All winners are SMEs.

Q: How many facilities and staff are covered?

Ans: 27 sports facilities with over 300 staff.

Source: EU Official Journal, Contract Award Notice 618264-2026, OJ S 173/2026, published 8 September 2026.

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