Road Programme KNP 2026

AI-generated analysis of the documents. Check the official notice and any amendments for current submission details.

1. At a glance

2. Scope of Work

The contractor will undertake road repair works within Killarney National Park (KNP) as part of a multi-annual programme. The specific works for the 2026 programme involve the construction of a modal separation track between Torc Cottages and Dundag, and between Dundag and Muckross House. This track aims to separate vehicular traffic, specifically "jarvey" traffic, from cyclists and walkers.

The constituent activities and locations include:

• Construction of a modal separation track: This is the primary deliverable.
• Route 1: Torc Cottages to Dundag.
• Route 2: Dundag towards Muckross House.
• Traffic management: The KNP Management will allow planned closures of the repair sites.
• Site access: Access to the Torc/Dundag site will be from the N73 towards Torc Cottages.
• Materials: All bituminous materials must be in accordance with EN13108 and NSAI’s SR28.
• Laying operation: To be in accordance with BS594987.
• Site cleaning: Roads must be cleaned as necessary to avoid inconvenience to road users, at a minimum of once each day.

The programme is scheduled to take place over November/December 2026.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is part of the Killarney National Park (KNP) Multi-annual Road Repair Programme, which has been ongoing for several years. The current iteration, the 2026 Programme, focuses on enhancing safety and user experience within the park by separating different modes of transport. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, through the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), is the procuring entity. The works are intended to improve infrastructure within a protected natural environment. No incumbent contractor is explicitly named in the provided documents.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance: Not specified for this tender.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Not specified for this tender.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender, beyond the work being located within Killarney National Park.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award criterion is stated as either the lowest price or the most economically advantageous tender, as specified in the Particulars. The assessment of the most economically advantageous tender will be made on the basis of the award criteria in the Particulars.

6. Submission requirements

• Method statement / response document: Not specified for this tender.
• CVs: Not specified for this tender.
• Pricing schedule: Volume C: Completed Pricing Document. Must be completed in ink. No alterations permitted. Blank spaces, 'nil', or dashes are not permitted; '0.00' must be used where zero is applicable. Negative rates or prices, or omitted rates, are not permitted.
• Case studies: Not specified for this tender.
• Declarations:
• Form of Tender and Schedule (Volume B) executed as indicated.
• Suitability Questionnaire(s) completed.
• Parent Company Guarantee (where required).
• Undertaking of the parent company to give that guarantee (where required).
• Letter from each Specialist agreeing to enter a contract (where required).
• Tax clearance procedures compliance (Department of Finance Circular 43/2006 or replacement).
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission portal: Tenders must be submitted by hard copy to the address provided. Faxed or emailed submissions will not be accepted.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

• Term + extension: Not specified for this tender.
• Payment terms: Not specified for this tender.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified for this tender.
• Liquidated damages or penalty regimes: Not specified for this tender.
• Termination clauses: Not specified for this tender.
• IP ownership: Not specified for this tender.
• Sub-contracting rules: Not specified for this tender.
• Parent-company guarantee or bond requirements: Required if a Tenderer relies on the capacity or qualifications of a parent company. An undertaking from the parent company to provide the guarantee must be included with the Tender.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Low value metadata: The estimated value of €1.00 is a placeholder and does not reflect the actual contract value.
• Lack of specific criteria: The absence of detailed eligibility, insurance, and experience criteria suggests a broad initial pool of bidders, with evaluation likely heavily weighted towards pricing or specific technical proposals not yet detailed.
• Hard copy submission: The requirement for hard copy submission only, with no electronic option, is unusual in modern public procurement and may present logistical challenges for some bidders.
• Tight timeline: The programme is scheduled for November/December 2026, with a tender deadline in early December 2026, indicating a short mobilisation period if awarded.
• Materials standards: Specific standards for bituminous materials (EN13108, SR28) and laying operations (BS594987) are cited, requiring compliance.

10. SME fit assessment

• Who can credibly bid: This tender is open to road making/repair contractors. Given the lack of specific turnover or experience thresholds, it is potentially accessible to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with demonstrated capability in road construction and repair, particularly those familiar with environmental considerations in national parks. The specific nature of the work (modal separation track) may favour firms with experience in path construction or similar infrastructure within sensitive landscapes.
• Consortium or sub-contracting: Not explicitly stated if consortiums are permitted beyond joint ventures. Sub-contracting is not mentioned.
• Indicative bid-prep effort: Difficult to estimate without detailed evaluation criteria and required documentation. However, the need to complete specific volumes (B, C) and potentially a Suitability Questionnaire suggests a moderate effort, likely several days for a competent firm.
• Pwin signal: The tender is an open procedure, suggesting competition. The lack of stated eligibility criteria and the placeholder value might indicate a focus on price. The incumbent is not named, and the programme is described as a continuation, suggesting potential for new entrants.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename(s): Invitation to Tender.docx, ITTW2- Instruction to Tender.docx, PRELIMINARY H&S PLAN KNP Roads (2026).docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not surfaced.
• Contact email or clarification portal: Queries to be raised in writing by email using contact details for queries stated in the Particulars.
• Most important attachments:
• Volume A: Works Requirements
• Volume B: Form of Tender and Schedule
• Volume C: Pricing Document