Ireland Awards €160 Million Facilities Management Framework for Ukraine Refugee Accommodation

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has awarded a €160 million multi-supplier framework agreement for facilities management and ancillary services to support accommodation centres for persons fleeing the war in Ukraine and international protection applicants. Seven Irish companies have been appointed to the framework, including Bridgestock Care, Aramark, and Allpro Security Services.

Introduction

Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, Ireland has provided sanctuary to thousands of displaced persons. Managing accommodation centres for these individuals, as well as for international protection applicants, requires comprehensive facilities management services—from housekeeping and catering to security and maintenance.

To meet this need, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has established a multi-supplier framework agreement valued at €160 million. Seven Irish companies have been appointed to deliver facilities management and ancillary services across accommodation centres nationwide.

This framework ensures that vulnerable individuals and families have access to safe, clean, and well-maintained accommodation while their status is being determined.

Why This Contract Matters

Ireland has a legal and moral obligation to provide adequate accommodation and support to persons fleeing conflict and persecution. This framework is a critical component of that humanitarian response.

This contract matters because it:

• Supports humanitarian response: Provides essential services to persons fleeing the war in Ukraine and international protection applicants
• Ensures quality accommodation: Delivers housekeeping, catering, security, and maintenance services
• Provides value for money: €160 million framework with multiple suppliers ensuring competition
• Supports Irish SMEs: Eight of nine bidders were SMEs, with six SMEs appointed to the framework
• Delivers nationwide coverage: Services delivered across multiple locations in Ireland
• Ensures continuity: Framework has been in place since June 2024, providing stability

Contract Timeline

• Contract award notice published: 6 August 2026 (OJ S 150/2026)
• Previous notice referenced: 5a0bfebe-bcbd-4075-b5e7-84d30219b690-01
• Previous publication (correction): 625527-2024
• Winner chosen: 28 June 2024
• Contract concluded: 28 June 2024
• Coverage start date: 28 June 2024
• Coverage end date: Not specified (framework ongoing)

Contract Overview

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth conducted an open procedure for this procurement. The framework is a multi-supplier agreement for facilities management and ancillary services for accommodation centres.

Key features include:

• Multi-supplier framework: Seven suppliers appointed
• Services covered: Facilities management, housekeeping/cleaning, catering, security and supervision, maintenance
• Value: €160,000,000 (total framework value)
• Number of bidders: 9 tenders received, 8 from SMEs
• Light regime: Procurement conducted under the light regime for social and other specific services
• Change notice: This is a correction notice (publisher correction) to a previous notice

Key Contract Details

Detail	Information
Contracting authority	Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Winning bidders	7 Irish companies (see full list below)
Contract subject	Facilities management and ancillary services (CPV 79993000)
Procedure type	Open procedure – light regime
Legal basis	EU Directive 2014/24/EU
Total framework value (EUR)	€160,000,000.00
Number of suppliers	7
Bids received	9 (8 from SMEs)
EU funding	None disclosed
Winner chosen	28 June 2024
Contract concluded	28 June 2024
Notice type	Change notice (publisher correction)
Beneficiaries	Persons fleeing the war in Ukraine, international protection applicants

Project Scope

The framework covers the provision of facilities management and ancillary services for accommodation centres for:

• Persons fleeing the war in Ukraine – Ukrainian nationals and their families seeking temporary protection in Ireland
• International protection applicants – Persons seeking asylum or international protection in Ireland

Services Covered

• Facilities management: Overall management and coordination of accommodation centres
• Housekeeping/Cleaning: Daily cleaning and maintenance of hygiene standards
• Catering: Provision of meals and food services
• Security and Supervision: Ensuring safety and security of residents and premises
• Maintenance: General building and equipment maintenance
• Ancillary services: Additional support services as required

Geographic Scope

• Nationwide coverage: Multiple locations across Ireland
• NUTS region: Dublin (IE061) and other locations

About the Contracting Authority

Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth is an Irish government department responsible for policy and services relating to children, equality, disability, integration, and youth. The department manages accommodation for international protection applicants and persons fleeing the war in Ukraine, ensuring that vulnerable individuals have access to safe and adequate housing.

About the Winning Companies

Seven Irish companies have been appointed to the framework:

Bridgestock Care Limited

A medium-sized Irish company based in Roscommon. Bridgestock Care provides care and accommodation services, with expertise in managing facilities for vulnerable individuals.

ANTARES WAY LIMITED

A small Irish company based in Dublin. Antares Way provides accommodation and support services, with experience in the housing and hospitality sectors.

onsite facilities management limited

A small Irish company based in Tralee, County Kerry. onsite facilities management specialises in facilities management services for various sectors.

Allpro Security Services Ireland Ltd T/A Allpro Services

A medium-sized Irish company based in Galway. Allpro Services provides security, cleaning, and facilities management services across Ireland.

TotalExperience Ltd T/A Pastures New Accommodation

A small Irish company based in Dublin. Pastures New Accommodation specialises in providing accommodation and hospitality services.

Aramark_55327 (Aramark Ireland)

A large Irish-based company (part of the global Aramark group). Aramark is a leading provider of facilities management, catering, and support services across Ireland.

Excellent Choice

A small Irish company based in Cork. Excellent Choice provides accommodation and support services.

Procurement Analysis

• Procedure: An open procedure was used under the light regime for social and other specific services.
• Competition: Nine tenders were received, with eight from SMEs. This indicates healthy competition and strong market interest.
• Geographic focus: All winners are Irish companies, with six of seven being SMEs (medium or small enterprises).
• Framework structure: Multi-supplier framework allowing the department to call off services from multiple suppliers.
• SME participation: Strong SME participation with eight of nine bidders being SMEs, and six SMEs appointed to the framework.
• Notice type: This is a change notice (publisher correction) to a previous notice (625527-2024).
• Light regime: The procurement was conducted under the light regime, which applies to social, health, and other specific services.

Additional Procurement Facts

• The contract was awarded on 28 June 2024 and is already in operation.
• This is a change notice (publisher correction) to correct a previous notice.
• The procurement is covered by the light regime for social and other specific services.
• No tenders were received from outside Ireland (0 from other EEA countries, 0 from outside EEA).
• Eight of nine tenders came from SMEs, demonstrating strong SME participation.
• Six of seven winners are SMEs (one large company, Aramark).
• Disputes or review requests fall to The High Court of Ireland.
• The framework supports Ireland's humanitarian response to the war in Ukraine.

Market & Industry Perspective

The Irish facilities management market has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by both public sector outsourcing and the humanitarian response to the Ukraine crisis. The demand for accommodation and support services for displaced persons has created substantial opportunities for facilities management providers.

Key trends in this market include:

• SME dominance: The facilities management sector in Ireland is characterised by a mix of large international players and local SMEs
• Humanitarian focus: Growing demand for accommodation and support services for vulnerable populations
• Integrated services: Increasing demand for comprehensive facilities management solutions covering multiple service areas
• Government outsourcing: Public sector outsourcing of facilities management services continues to grow

The strong SME participation in this procurement (8 of 9 bidders, 6 of 7 winners) reflects the accessibility of the facilities management market to smaller Irish companies.

Economic Significance

At €160 million, this framework represents a significant investment in facilities management services for Ireland's humanitarian response. The framework supports:

• Employment: Jobs for facilities management staff, cleaners, caterers, security personnel, and maintenance workers
• SMEs: Six Irish SMEs benefit from the framework, supporting local businesses
• Humanitarian response: Essential services for vulnerable individuals and families
• Regional economy: Services delivered across multiple locations in Ireland

Future Procurement Opportunities

With the framework already in place since June 2024, future opportunities include:

• Contract extensions: The framework may be extended or renewed as the humanitarian response continues
• Additional suppliers: The department may add additional suppliers to the framework if needed
• Related services: Additional contracts for related services (e.g., transport, psychosocial support) may be tendered
• Re-tender: The framework will be re-tendered when the current arrangement expires

Opportunities for Suppliers

While this framework is now awarded, future opportunities exist for facilities management providers:

• Subcontracting: Suppliers not on the framework may find subcontracting opportunities with the seven appointed companies
• Related services: Additional contracts for complementary services (e.g., transport, psychosocial support)
• Re-tender: The framework will be re-tendered in the future—early preparation is key
• SME focus: The strong SME participation indicates that the market is accessible to smaller companies

What Businesses Should Watch

• Re-tendering of this framework when it expires
• Additional procurement notices from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
• Similar frameworks from other Irish government departments
• Changes to Ireland's humanitarian response policies
• Ongoing demand for accommodation and facilities management services

IrelandTender Procurement Intelligence

This framework is a significant procurement for Ireland's humanitarian response. Several features are notable:

• Scale: €160 million framework covering essential services for vulnerable individuals
• SME focus: Strong SME participation (8 of 9 bidders, 6 of 7 winners)
• Light regime: Procurement conducted under the light regime, which provides flexibility for social services
• Humanitarian impact: The framework directly supports Ireland's response to the Ukraine crisis
• Nationwide coverage: Services delivered across multiple locations in Ireland

The fact that all winners are Irish companies reflects the local nature of facilities management services and the importance of local knowledge and presence.

For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of:

• Local presence: Being established in Ireland is essential for similar opportunities
• SME participation: The framework demonstrates that SMEs can successfully compete for large public contracts
• Humanitarian focus: Experience in providing services to vulnerable populations is a key advantage
• Comprehensive services: Offering integrated facilities management solutions covering multiple service areas

Supplier Takeaways

• Establish a strong presence in the Irish market
• Develop expertise in facilities management for vulnerable populations
• Offer comprehensive, integrated services (cleaning, catering, security, maintenance)
• Consider SME status as a potential advantage in public procurement
• Monitor the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for future opportunities
• Prepare for re-tendering of this framework when it expires

Key Takeaways

• Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth awarded a €160 million facilities management framework
• Seven Irish companies appointed, including Bridgestock Care, Aramark, and Allpro Security Services
• Services: facilities management, housekeeping, catering, security, maintenance
• Beneficiaries: persons fleeing the war in Ukraine, international protection applicants
• Nine bids received, eight from SMEs; six SMEs appointed to the framework
• Framework in place since June 2024; this is a change notice (publisher correction)
• All winners are Irish companies, demonstrating local service delivery
• Framework supports Ireland's humanitarian response to the Ukraine crisis

Conclusion

This €160 million framework represents a significant commitment by the Irish government to provide essential services to persons fleeing the war in Ukraine and international protection applicants. By appointing seven Irish companies—including six SMEs—the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has ensured that accommodation centres across Ireland are well-managed and that residents have access to cleaning, catering, security, and maintenance services.

The framework, in place since June 2024, has been providing stability and continuity for the humanitarian response. The strong SME participation reflects the accessibility of public procurement to smaller Irish businesses and demonstrates the government's commitment to supporting local enterprises.

As the humanitarian response continues, this framework will play a vital role in ensuring that vulnerable individuals and families have access to safe, clean, and well-maintained accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the value of the framework?

Ans: €160,000,000.

Q: Who are the winning suppliers?

Ans: Bridgestock Care Limited, ANTARES WAY LIMITED, onsite facilities management limited, Allpro Security Services Ireland Ltd T/A Allpro Services, TotalExperience Ltd T/A Pastures New Accommodation, Aramark_55327, Excellent Choice.

Q: What services does the framework cover?

Ans: Facilities management, housekeeping/cleaning, catering, security and supervision, maintenance, and ancillary services.

Q: Who are the beneficiaries?

Ans: Persons fleeing the war in Ukraine and international protection applicants.

Q: When was the framework awarded?

Ans: 28 June 2024.

Q: How many bids were received?

Ans: Nine bids, with eight from SMEs.

Q: How many winners are SMEs?

Ans: Six of seven winners are SMEs (one large company, Aramark).

Q: Is this a new contract?

Ans: No, this is a change notice (publisher correction) to a previous notice. The framework has been in place since June 2024.

Q: What is the light regime?

Ans: The light regime applies to social, health, and other specific services and provides flexibility in procurement procedures.

Source: EU Official Journal, Contract Award Notice 546435-2026, OJ S 150/2026, published 6 August 2026.