Tipperary County Council Awards €12M Architect Led Design Teams Framework Agreements

Tipperary County Council, a local authority operating in general public services, has awarded a Multi Party Framework Agreement for Architect Led Design Teams in relation to Minor Housing Works of project values less than €5,000,000 in 3 Lots. The maximum value of the framework agreements in this notice is €12,000,000.00, covering architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services, with an estimated duration of 24 months. The contracts were awarded following an open procedure under the standard regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU.

Introduction

Tipperary County Council, a local authority operating in general public services, has conducted an open procedure for a Multi Party Framework Agreement for Architect Led Design Teams in relation to Minor Housing Works of project values less than €5,000,000 in 3 Lots. The framework agreement covers architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services for minor housing works.

The procurement is not financed with EU funds but is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA). Strategic procurement objectives were specified: fulfilment of social objectives, delivery of social housing, and accessibility for all. Accessibility criteria for persons with disabilities are included. The evaluation criteria are quality (70% based on TRD) and price (30%). Six tenders were received for LOT-0001, three tenders for LOT-0002, and one tender for LOT-0003. Winners were appointed: Kenneth Hennessy Architects Ltd EO for LOT-0001, Cooney Architects Ltd for LOT-0002, and Dean Street Architects Limited T/A K-Design Studio for LOT-0003. Subcontracting is not yet known for LOT-0001 and declared for LOT-0002 and LOT-0003. The contracts were concluded on 26/09/2026. The maximum value of the framework agreements in this notice is €12,000,000.00 and the approximate value is €6,000,000.00.

Why This Contract Matters

This contract ensures the provision of architect led design teams for minor housing works, supporting the delivery of social housing and accessibility for all.

This contract matters because it:

• Supports Social Housing: Provides architect led design teams for minor housing works
• Significant Value: €12,000,000.00 maximum framework value
• Medium-Term Commitment: 24-month duration
• Comprehensive Scope: Three lots covering cluster developments, SHIP renewal projects, and refurbishment of existing housing
• Balanced Evaluation: 70% quality, 30% price
• Competition: 6 tenders received for LOT-0001; 3 tenders for LOT-0002; 1 tender for LOT-0003
• Subcontracting: Not yet known for LOT-0001; declared for LOT-0002 and LOT-0003

Contract Timeline

• Contract concluded: 26/09/2026
• Estimated duration: 24 months
• Notice published: 07 October 2026 (OJ S 194/2026)
• Notice dispatch date: 06 October 2026

Contract Overview

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

Key features include:

• Three lots: LOT-0001, LOT-0002, LOT-0003
• Maximum value: €12,000,000.00
• Duration: 24 months
• Framework type: Framework agreement, without reopening of competition
• Evaluation: Quality (70%) and Price (30%)
• Winners: Kenneth Hennessy Architects Ltd EO, Cooney Architects Ltd, Dean Street Architects Limited T/A K-Design Studio
• Subcontracting: Not yet known (LOT-0001); Yes (LOT-0002, LOT-0003)
• No EU funding
• Covered by GPA: Yes
• Strategic procurement: Fulfilment of social objectives; delivery of social housing; accessibility for all
• Accessibility criteria for persons with disabilities are included

Key Contract Details

• Main classification: 71000000 Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services
• Place of performance: Mid-West (IE051), Ireland
• Procedure identifier: 10718d61-3283-4289-ad27-10d54a3bda87
• Internal identifier: Not specified
• 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 of single/multiples houses such as Cluster Developments as set out in Tipperary County Council Guidelines for Cluster Housing Schemes in Rural Villages (Type 2 project)

• Title: 1. Design of single/multiples houses such as Cluster Developments as set out in Tipperary County Council Guidelines for Cluster Housing Schemes in Rural Villages; - Lot 1 (Type 2 project)
• Description: Multi Party Framework Agreement for Architect Led Design Teams in relation to Minor Housing Works of project values less than €5,000,000 In 3 Lots
• Internal identifier: 1
• Awarded value: €4,000,000.00 (estimated excluding VAT); maximum framework value €8,000,000.00; re-estimated value €4,000,000.00
• Winner: Kenneth Hennessy Architects Ltd EO
• Tenders received: 6
• Contract concluded: 26/09/2026
• Contract identifier: 459796

Lot 2 – SHIP Renewal Projects that exceed a budget of €126,000 and which require a Part 8 application / Planning Permission (Type 1 project)

• Title: 2. SHIP Renewal Projects that exceed a budget of €126,000 and which require a Part 8 application / Planning Permission. – Lot 2. (type 1 project)
• Description: Multi Party Framework Agreement for Architect Led Design Teams in relation to Minor Housing Works of project values less than €5,000,000 In 3 Lots
• Internal identifier: 2
• Awarded value: €1,000,000.00 (estimated excluding VAT); maximum framework value €2,000,000.00; re-estimated value €1,000,000.00
• Winner: Cooney Architects Ltd
• Tenders received: 3
• Contract concluded: 26/09/2026
• Contract identifier: 459797

Lot 3 – Refurbishment of existing housing / SHIP Renewal that does not require the granting of Planning Permission (Type 1 project)

• Title: 3. Refurbishment of existing housing / SHIP Renewal that does not require the granting of Planning Permission. – Lot 3. (type 1 project)
• Description: Multi Party Framework Agreement for Architect Led Design Teams in relation to Minor Housing Works of project values less than €5,000,000 In 3 Lots
• Internal identifier: 3
• Awarded value: €1,000,000.00 (estimated excluding VAT); maximum framework value €2,000,000.00; re-estimated value €1,000,000.00
• Winner: Dean Street Architects Limited T/A K-Design Studio
• Tenders received: 1
• Contract concluded: 26/09/2026
• Contract identifier: 459798

Lot Summary Table

Lot	Title	Value (€)	Winner	Tenders
1	Design of single/multiples houses such as Cluster Developments as set out in Tipperary County Council Guidelines for Cluster Housing Schemes in Rural Villages (Type 2 project)	4,000,000.00	Kenneth Hennessy Architects Ltd EO	6
2	SHIP Renewal Projects that exceed a budget of €126,000 and which require a Part 8 application / Planning Permission (Type 1 project)	1,000,000.00	Cooney Architects Ltd	3
3	Refurbishment of existing housing / SHIP Renewal that does not require the granting of Planning Permission (Type 1 project)	1,000,000.00	Dean Street Architects Limited T/A K-Design Studio	1
Total		12,000,000.00

Scope of Supply

The contract covers the following services:

• Architect Led Design Teams: Multi Party Framework Agreement for Architect Led Design Teams in relation to Minor Housing Works
• Cluster Developments: Design of single/multiples houses such as Cluster Developments as set out in Tipperary County Council Guidelines for Cluster Housing Schemes in Rural Villages
• SHIP Renewal Projects: SHIP Renewal Projects that exceed a budget of €126,000 and which require a Part 8 application / Planning Permission
• Refurbishment of Existing Housing: Refurbishment of existing housing / SHIP Renewal that does not require the granting of Planning Permission
• Architectural, Construction, Engineering and Inspection Services: Services under CPV 71000000

Special Procurement Conditions

• Quality Criterion (70%): 70% Quality based on TRD
• Price Criterion (30%): 30% Price
• Framework Agreement: Framework agreement, without reopening of competition
• Subcontracting: Not yet known (LOT-0001); Yes (LOT-0002, LOT-0003)
• Strategic Procurement: Fulfilment of social objectives; delivery of social housing; accessibility for all
• Accessibility Criteria: Accessibility criteria for persons with disabilities are included

About the Contracting Authority

Tipperary County Council is a local authority operating in general public services in Ireland.

• Legal type: Local authority
• Activity: General public services
• Registration number: 32452
• Location: Clonmel, Nenagh, Mid-West (IE051), Ireland
• Postcode: E91N512 E45A099
• Email: secretary@tipperarycoco.ie
• Telephone: +353 818065000
• Internet address: https://www.tipperarycoco.ie
• Buyer profile: https://www.tipperarycoco.ie

About the Winning Supplier

Kenneth Hennessy Architects Ltd EO is a small enterprise based in Clonmel, Ireland, and won LOT-0001.

• Size: Small
• Registration number: 282600
• Location: Clonmel, Mid-West (IE051), Ireland
• Postcode: E91N6Y6
• Email: kenneth@kharchitects.ie
• Telephone: 0526128966
• Internet address: www.kharchitects.ie
• Subcontracting: Not yet known

Cooney Architects Ltd is a small enterprise based in Dublin, Ireland, and won LOT-0002.

• Size: Small
• Registration number: 421183
• Location: Dublin, Dublin (IE061), Ireland
• Postcode: D08 E2VY
• Email: frank@cooneyarchitects.com
• Telephone: +35314533444
• Internet address: https://www.cooneyarchitects.com
• Subcontracting: Yes (value and percentage not known)

Dean Street Architects Limited T/A K-Design Studio is a small enterprise based in Kilkenny, Ireland, and won LOT-0003.

• Size: Small
• Registration number: 245686
• Location: Kilkenny, South-East (IE052), Ireland
• Postcode: R95 P921
• Email: kilkenny@k-designstudio.com
• Telephone: 0567762697
• Internet address: https://www.k-designstudio.com
• Subcontracting: Yes (value and percentage not known)

Evaluation Criteria

The lots use the following evaluation criteria:

• Quality (70%): 70% Quality based on TRD
• Price (30%): 30% Price

Procurement Analysis

• Procedure: Open procedure under the standard regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU
• Competition: 6 tenders received for LOT-0001; 3 tenders for LOT-0002; 1 tender for LOT-0003
• Subcontracting: Not yet known (LOT-0001); Yes (LOT-0002, LOT-0003)
• 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: Fulfilment of social objectives; delivery of social housing; accessibility for all
• 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 maximum framework value is €12,000,000.00; the approximate value is €6,000,000.00
• The procurement is divided into three lots
• Quality (70%) and Price (30%) are the evaluation criteria
• 6 tenders were received for LOT-0001; 3 tenders for LOT-0002; 1 tender for LOT-0003
• The winners are small enterprises
• Subcontracting is not yet known for LOT-0001 and declared for LOT-0002 and LOT-0003
• The estimated duration is 24 months
• Accessibility criteria for persons with disabilities are included
• The contracts were concluded on 26/09/2026

Market & Industry Perspective

The Irish public sector architectural and engineering services market features a mix of small and medium-sized enterprises. Architect led design teams are essential for the delivery of social housing and minor housing works.

Key trends in this market include:

• Quality-focused evaluation: 70% quality, 30% price
• SME participation: Winners are small enterprises
• Comprehensive scope: Three lots covering cluster developments, SHIP renewal projects, and refurbishment of existing housing
• Medium-term projects: 24-month duration
• Social objectives: Delivery of social housing and accessibility for all
• Subcontracting: Not yet known for LOT-0001 and declared for LOT-0002 and LOT-0003

Economic Significance

At €12,000,000.00, this framework agreement represents a significant investment in architect led design teams for minor housing works in Tipperary. The contract will:

• Support Social Housing: Provide architect led design teams for minor housing works
• Support SMEs: Kenneth Hennessy Architects Ltd EO, Cooney Architects Ltd, and Dean Street Architects Limited T/A K-Design Studio are small enterprises
• Provide Medium-Term Delivery: 24-month duration
• Ensure Housing Delivery: Improve the delivery of social housing and minor housing works
• Enable Operational Efficiency: Comprehensive architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services
• Support Regional Development: Contribute to the housing market in the Mid-West region

Future Procurement Opportunities

With these framework agreements now in place, future opportunities include:

• Re-tender: Expected after the completion of the framework agreements
• Related Works: Additional architectural and engineering services procurements
• Subcontracting: Potential opportunities with the winning suppliers
• Other Housing Projects: Similar architect led design team procurement opportunities
• Other Public Sector Housing Procurements: Similar architectural and engineering service opportunities

Opportunities for Suppliers

While these contracts are awarded, opportunities remain for architectural and engineering services suppliers:

• Re-tender: Prepare for future procurement cycles
• Subcontracting: Potential opportunities with the winning suppliers
• Related Works: Other architectural and engineering services procurements
• Other Irish Public Sector Authorities: Similar architectural and engineering service procurements
• Other Housing Projects: Monitor further architect led design team opportunities

What Businesses Should Watch

• Tipperary County Council's future procurement notices
• Other Irish public sector architectural and engineering tenders
• Architectural and engineering services market trends
• Changes to Irish procurement regulations
• Social housing and minor housing works developments
• Further architect led design team opportunities in the public sector

Tenders Procurement Intelligence

This architect led design teams framework agreement procurement is a notable example of Irish public sector architectural and engineering services procurement. Several features stand out:

• Scale: €12,000,000.00 maximum framework value
• Quality-focused evaluation: 70% quality, 30% price
• SME winners: Kenneth Hennessy Architects Ltd EO, Cooney Architects Ltd, Dean Street Architects Limited T/A K-Design Studio
• Three lots: Cluster developments, SHIP renewal projects, and refurbishment of existing housing
• Competition: 6 tenders received for LOT-0001; 3 tenders for LOT-0002; 1 tender for LOT-0003
• Medium-term project: 24-month duration
• Comprehensive scope: Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services for minor housing works
• Social objectives: Delivery of social housing and accessibility for all

For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of:

• Quality: 70% quality-based evaluation based on TRD
• Competitive pricing: 30% price-based evaluation
• Architectural expertise: Ability to deliver architect led design team services
• Housing works capability: Ability to deliver minor housing works design
• Accessibility capability: Ability to meet accessibility criteria for persons with disabilities
• Public sector experience: Understanding of Irish local authority requirements

Supplier Takeaways

• Demonstrate quality – 70% of evaluation is quality-based
• Offer competitive pricing – 30% of evaluation is price-based
• Showcase architectural expertise
• Demonstrate housing works design capability
• Show accessibility capability
• Develop public sector experience with Irish local authorities
• Monitor Tipperary County Council and Irish public sector architectural procurement opportunities
• Prepare for subcontracting and future procurement opportunities

Key Takeaways

• Tipperary County Council awarded a €12,000,000.00 Multi Party Framework Agreement for Architect Led Design Teams to Kenneth Hennessy Architects Ltd EO, Cooney Architects Ltd, and Dean Street Architects Limited T/A K-Design Studio
• Three lots: Cluster developments (LOT-0001), SHIP renewal projects (LOT-0002), and refurbishment of existing housing (LOT-0003)
• Duration: 24 months
• Evaluation: Quality (70%) and Price (30%)
• 6 tenders received for LOT-0001; 3 tenders for LOT-0002; 1 tender for LOT-0003
• Winners are small enterprises
• Subcontracting not yet known (LOT-0001) and declared (LOT-0002, LOT-0003)
• No EU funding
• Covered by GPA: Yes
• Framework agreement, without reopening of competition
• Strategic procurement: Fulfilment of social objectives; delivery of social housing; accessibility for all
• Accessibility criteria for persons with disabilities are included
• Contracts concluded on 26/09/2026

Conclusion

This architect led design teams framework agreement ensures the provision of architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services for minor housing works, supporting the delivery of social housing and accessibility for all. By awarding the contracts to Kenneth Hennessy Architects Ltd EO, Cooney Architects Ltd, and Dean Street Architects Limited T/A K-Design Studio, Tipperary County Council secures reliable small enterprise suppliers with the capability to deliver comprehensive architect led design team services.

The 70% quality and 30% price evaluation reflects the quality-focused nature of architectural and engineering services procurement, where quality is the primary differentiator among qualified suppliers. The 24-month duration, the comprehensive scope across three lots and the specialised services reflect the specific operational and strategic context of the minor housing works procurement.

For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of quality, competitive pricing, architectural expertise, housing works design capability, accessibility capability, and public sector experience in winning Irish public sector architectural and engineering contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is the contracting authority?

Ans: Tipperary County Council, a local authority operating in general public services in Ireland.

Q: What is the value of the contract?

Ans: Maximum framework value €12,000,000.00; approximate value €6,000,000.00.

Q: Who are the winners?

Ans: Kenneth Hennessy Architects Ltd EO (LOT-0001), Cooney Architects Ltd (LOT-0002), and Dean Street Architects Limited T/A K-Design Studio (LOT-0003), all small enterprises based in Ireland.

Q: What services are covered?

Ans: Architect Led Design Teams in relation to Minor Housing Works of project values less than €5,000,000, including cluster developments, SHIP renewal projects, and refurbishment of existing housing.

Q: What were the evaluation criteria?

Ans: Quality (70% based on TRD) and Price (30%).

Q: How long is the contract?

Ans: 24 months.

Q: How many tenders were received?

Ans: 6 tenders received for LOT-0001; 3 tenders for LOT-0002; 1 tender for LOT-0003.

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: Three lots – LOT-0001 (Cluster developments), LOT-0002 (SHIP renewal projects requiring planning permission), LOT-0003 (Refurbishment of existing housing not requiring planning permission).

Q: Is subcontracting allowed?

Ans: Subcontracting is not yet known for LOT-0001 and declared for LOT-0002 and LOT-0003.

Q: What are the strategic procurement objectives?

Ans: Fulfilment of social objectives, delivery of social housing, and accessibility for all. Accessibility criteria for persons with disabilities are included.

Q: What is the main CPV classification?

Ans: 71000000 Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services.

Source: EU Official Journal, Contract Award Notice 692634-2026, OJ S 194/2026, published 07 October 2026.

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