Overview
A significant public sector procurement contract award has been announced by Ireland, with Iarn Éireann-Irish Rail confirming the award of a national Fuel Cards Services contract. Circle K Ireland Energy Limited has been given the supplies contract, which is estimated to be worth €17.68 million. The agreement, which strengthened Irish Rail's operational fuel management framework nationwide, was signed, shipped, and published on November 3, 2025.
Details of the Contract
The awarded contract, "8971 - The provision of Fuel Cards Service", addresses the provision and administration of a fuel card service that allows Irish Rail to buy fuel and associated services at service stations located throughout all 32 counties on the island of Ireland.
In addition to fuel access, Circle K will be in charge of all transaction management under the agreement, including timely billing, consolidated invoicing, and the delivery of comprehensive usage and management reports. Maintaining a strong national service station network for the duration of the contract is one of its main requirements.
Contract Value Estimate: €17,682,414.82
Type of Contract: Supplies
Scope: Nationwide fuel access, invoicing, reporting, transaction management, and fuel card services
09135000, 09000000, 09100000, 09134200, 09134210, 09134220, and 30163100 are the CPV codes.
Date of Contract: November 3, 2025
Organisations Involved
Irish Rail, Ireland's national railway operator with its headquarters located in Inchicore, Dublin, is the procuring authority. Irish Rail runs a sizeable, fuel-dependent fleet and is in charge of providing rail passenger and freight services across the country.
A significant supplier of fuel and energy services in Ireland, Circle K Ireland Energy Limited is a member of the Circle K Europe network. The Contract Award Notice contained no information about rival bidders.
Strategic and Operational Importance
For Irish Rail's daily operations, this government contract award is strategically significant. Maintaining rail services, infrastructure operations, maintenance fleets, and support vehicles across the country depends on transparent transaction management and dependable fuel access.
Irish Rail can enhance cost control, operational efficiency, and reporting visibility while guaranteeing continuous fuel access throughout its geographically dispersed operations by centralising fuel purchasing through a managed fuel card service.
An Overview of the Winning Business
One of the biggest retail and commercial fuel networks in Ireland is run by Circle K Ireland Energy Limited. The company is a reputable partner for large, multi-site operations, offering fuel card solutions, energy services, and fleet management tools to clients in the public and private sectors.
Overview of Technology and Finances
Access to diesel and other fuel products, transaction processing systems, centralised invoicing, and analytical reporting tools are all included in the contract. Given Irish Rail's large operational footprint and vehicle requirements, the estimated €17.68 million indicates a multi-year, high-volume fuel supply arrangement.
In conclusion
For Iarnæ Éireann, the Fuel Cards Services contract awarded to Circle K represents a significant procurement milestone. As the contract develops, it is anticipated to provide Irish Rail operations with nationwide fuel access, better financial oversight, and improved fuel management. The award also demonstrates the ongoing activity in Ireland's public sector, transport, and energy procurement market through awarded tenders.
