Development of Safe Yield Hydrological / Hydrogeological Assessment Stage 1 report

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1. At a glance

2. Scope of Work

This tender seeks a preliminary (Stage 1) hydrological and hydrogeological assessment report for the Kilmovee Urlaur Group Water Scheme (GWS). The assessment will use readily available data to evaluate the potential environmental impact of the scheme's water abstraction from Urlaur Lough. If the Stage 1 assessment indicates further investigation is necessary, the report must recommend subsequent hydrological/hydrogeological assessments to confirm sustainable safe yields and environmental impacts.

The assessment will cover the following key activities:

• Source and Abstraction Characterisation:
• Document and describe the GWS source, abstraction rates, water treatment plant details and capacity, and the waterbody status.
• Document scenarios not captured in existing data sets or abstraction registers, such as water transfers between water bodies.
• Environmental Context:
• Outline details of any Special Protection Areas (NPWS), specifically focusing on water-dependent species and habitats.
• Document and describe catchment characteristics, including:
• Catchment area and lake area.
• Local knowledge of groundwater influences.
• Details of other known abstractions upstream of the GWS abstraction.
• Standard Annual Average Rainfall (SAAR) and rainfall analysis.
• Annual average Potential Evaporation (PE) data (Met Éireann).
• Aquifer, geology, and groundwater recharge data (GSI).
• Base Flow Index (BFISoil) (OPW FSU).
• Impact Assessment and Modelling:
• Utilise the gathered data and the ERBD metric to conduct a screening exercise assessing abstraction impact under various scenarios (e.g., current rates, plant design capacity).
• Calculate the 50%ile inflow rate (or outflow alternative) to Urlaur Lough. Where hydrometric gauges/data are available, they must be used. If not, an appropriate alternative method (e.g., EPA Hydrotool, Area-SAAR Model, OPW FSU) must be employed.
• Develop a Flow Duration Curve (FDC) for downstream channels from the lake source using an available methodology.
• Determine the percentage change in natural flow under a series of flow conditions.
• Assess the impact on the watercourse (stream or river) using the methodology outlined in the EPA's guidance on assessing abstraction impacts.
• Site Visit and Reporting:
• Conduct a site visit to the GWS to gather local knowledge and ground-proof assessments.
• Prepare a preliminary (Stage 1) report.
• Draft a scope of works for potential Stage 2/3 assessments if further investigation is warranted.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
• Engage in correspondence with the GWS and NFGWS staff.
• Project Management:
• Nominate a dedicated account manager as the primary point of contact.
• Provide a fee proposal, including VAT.
• Invoices will be submitted on a stage basis.

3. Background & buyer context

Kilmovee Urlaur Group Water Scheme (GWS) is procuring this hydrological and hydrogeological assessment to evaluate the environmental impact of its water abstraction from Urlaur Lough. The scheme is located approximately 11 km south of Ballaghadeareen, Co Mayo. Urlaur Lough has a defined inflow and outflow system, with the outflow connecting to the Lung River. The National Federation of Group Water Schemes (NFGWS) is facilitating this procurement.

This tender aligns with recent regulatory developments, specifically the EPA's guidance published in July 2025 on assessing the impact of abstractions on water bodies and identifying significant abstractions in Ireland. This guidance sets out allowable percentage changes in natural Q50 lake outflow, which will inform the assessment methodology. The successful consultant will be provided with the zone of contribution report for the GWS source and up-to-date abstraction volume information by the NFGWS.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for this tender:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Employers Liability: €13,000,000
• Public Liability: €6,500,000
• Professional Indemnity: €1,500,000 Bidders must confirm they have these insurances in place and can upgrade to the required levels if successful.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Not specified for this tender, but demonstrated expertise in similar projects is required for the award criteria.
• Personnel:
• Director: Not specified minimum years' experience.
• Senior Consultant (>10 years PQE): Not specified minimum years' experience.
• Consultant (3–10 years PQE): Not specified minimum years' experience.
• Junior Consultant (<3 years PQE): Not specified minimum years' experience.
• Administrator: Not specified minimum years' experience. CVs of nominated personnel are required.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

Bidders must also confirm compliance with statutory obligations, including employment equality, equal status, national minimum wage, organisation of working time, safety, health and welfare at work, and disability acts. They must also confirm tax compliance and not be bankrupt, involved in corruption, fraud, money laundering, criminal organisations, child labour, or human trafficking.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The contract will be awarded based on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT), determined by a combination of quality and cost.

Criterion Weighting Maximum Marks Sub-criteria / Pass/Fail Thresholds