River Dodder Barrier Mitigation Project Topographic and Bathymetric Survey

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1. At a glance

2. Scope of Work

This tender seeks a qualified surveyor to conduct topographic and bathymetric surveys along the River Dodder in South Dublin. The project aims to gather detailed data on existing weirs and riverine features to inform barrier mitigation and river restoration efforts. The survey area extends from 400m downstream of Beaver Row Weir to 400m upstream of Dropping Well Weir. The successful tenderer will be responsible for all aspects of the survey, including site liaison, data acquisition, processing, and delivery in specified formats.

Key activities and deliverables include:

• In-Channel Survey:
• Channel Cross-Sections: Approximately 56-62 cross-sections at 50m intervals (range 40-60m) along the main river channel. Additional cross-sections (14 total) are required 10m upstream of each weir and bridge. These sections must accurately represent hydraulic characteristics, extend 10m beyond the top of the bank, and include details of bed material and bank cover.
• Additional Downstream Cross-Sections: 20 cross-sections over a 1.6km length downstream of Anglesey Bridge, averaged at 80m intervals. These must match previous survey locations and be provided in osgm02 and osgm15 datums, and Irish Transverse Mercator and Irish National Grid coordinate systems. Approximately 5 specific points per section (top of bank, bottom of bank, thalweg) from a previous survey must also be recorded.
• Break of Slope (BoS) Survey: Conducted 100m upstream and downstream of each weir, comprising both bathymetric (in-channel) and topographic (out-of-channel) components. This involves recording discrete points where bed slope changes, channel transitions occur, abrupt elevation changes (>0.1–0.3 m), bank toe/top changes, and where structures influence morphology. Points should be 1-2m apart, with increased density in complex areas. Water level to be recorded at 20m intervals over the 200m BoS length for each weir. Spot levels at least every 3m along the top of the bank. Features within 10m of the top of the bank (trees, vegetation, walls, etc.) are to be recorded.
• Topographic Survey - Structures: Detailed capture of 6 weirs, 8 bridges, the Dodder Rhinoceros statue, culverts, headwalls, and trash screens.
• Weirs: Detailed measurement of current state, including bed level, top and bottom edges of features, undercutting, variations in levels along upstream/downstream faces, material types, and slots/gaps. Long sections at intervals no more than 1m wide. Specific attention to Beaver Row Weir's transition between man-made material and bedrock.
• Bridges: One cross-section at the upstream elevation including channel bed levels and bridge details (top chord, bottom chord, pier/arch dimensions, springing/soffit levels). A downstream cross-section is also required. Levels and dimensions of pipes within bridge openings to be recorded. Bridge length parallel to the watercourse to be measured.
• Topographic Survey - Top of Bank: Survey of the top of the bank along the river.
• Topographic Survey - Additional Areas: Includes access routes and potential compound areas.
• Survey Control and Accuracy: Establishment and adherence to specified survey control and accuracy standards.
• Method Statement: Development and submission of a detailed survey method statement.
• Traffic Management: Planning and implementation of necessary traffic management arrangements.
• Deliverables: All survey data to be provided in digital format (JPEG for photographs, CAD for drawings) and georeferenced to Irish Transverse Mercator (ITM) and OSM15 geoid. Photographs must be georeferenced, labelled, and of adequate quality.
• Pilot Weir Survey: Initial survey at Dropping Well Weir for data validation and review before proceeding with other weirs.
• Site Liaison: Communication and coordination with landowners, local authorities, and utility providers.
• Health and Safety: Compliance with all relevant Safety, Health and Welfare at Work legislation.
• Environmental Considerations: Minimising the spread of invasive species (Himalayan Balsam, Japanese Knotweed) and cleaning equipment between locations.
• Working Hours: Standard working hours are 08:00-18:00, Monday to Friday, with potential for out-of-hours work if required and notified in advance.

3. Background & buyer context

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is undertaking the River Dodder Barrier Mitigation Project to address the impact of multiple historic weirs on the River Dodder, a tributary of the River Liffey. These weirs, many now redundant, significantly impede fish passage for species such as Atlantic Salmon, sea trout, European eel, and Lamprey. They also disrupt natural sediment and hydromorphological processes. The project, supported by Arup as the Integrated Consultancy Services provider, aims to mitigate or remove these barriers to improve fish passage, restore riverine processes, and enhance biodiversity and amenity value, aligning with national and EU policy objectives. This survey is a foundational step for the detailed design and statutory approval process of the mitigation interventions for the six identified weirs.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

To be considered for this tender, bidders must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Employers’ Liability: Minimum €13,000,000 for any one accident.
• Public Liability: Minimum €6,500,000 for any one claim, with a maximum excess of €10,000 for property damage.
• Professional Indemnity: Minimum €1,250,000 per claim or €1,500,000 on an annual aggregate basis.
• 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.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award criteria and scoring mechanism are not detailed in the provided tender documents. Typically, public sector tenders in Ireland are awarded based on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT), which involves a balance of price and quality. The specific weighting between price and quality, along with any minimum scoring thresholds for individual criteria or overall, would be detailed in the full tender documentation.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders are required to submit the following:

• Method Statement / Response Document: A detailed outline of the proposed survey programme, methodology, and approach to meeting the specification requirements.
• Pricing Schedule: A comprehensive breakdown of costs associated with the survey services.
• Declarations:
• Economic and Financial Standing information, likely via the European Single Procurement Document (ESPD).
• Bona Fides declarations.
• Tax clearance certificates.
• Conflict of Interest declarations.
• CVs: Curriculum Vitae for key personnel proposed for the project.
• Case Studies: Not specified for this tender.
• Mandatory Site Visit: Not specified for this tender.
• Submission Portal: Tenders must be submitted electronically via the eTenders platform. Specific formatting rules for electronic submissions will be detailed in the full tender documentation.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

• Contract Length: Not specified, but the tender submission deadline is September 2026, with an envisaged appointment date of September 2026.
• Payment Terms: Not specified. Standard public sector payment terms typically apply, often within 30 days of valid invoice submission.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified, but the tender document emphasizes that "Programme is of critical importance" and the survey must be completed "efficiently and expediently."
• Liquidated Damages: Not specified.
• Termination Clauses: Not specified, beyond standard contractual rights.
• IP Ownership: Not specified.
• Sub-contracting: The Surveyor shall employ appropriately skilled and experienced personnel and sub-contractors.
• Parent Company Guarantee/Bond: Not specified.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Tight Mobilisation: The envisaged appointment date of 25th September 2026, shortly after the tender submission deadline of 18th September 2026, suggests a very rapid mobilisation requirement for the successful tenderer.
• Data Format and Datum Requirements: The specification for multiple coordinate systems (OSM15 geoid, osgm02, osgm15 datums, Irish Transverse Mercator, Irish National Grid) for different survey components indicates a need for meticulous data management and processing capabilities.
• Pilot Weir Requirement: The requirement for a pilot survey at Dropping Well Weir before proceeding with other weirs introduces a risk of delay if issues are identified, but also provides an opportunity for early validation.
• Landowner Liaison Complexity: The project involves multiple landowners (Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Dublin City Council, Milltown Golf Course, Smurfit Papermills site), requiring significant effort in access negotiation and relationship management.
• Environmental Sensitivity: The presence of invasive species (Himalayan Balsam, Japanese Knotweed) and the need to minimise their spread adds an environmental compliance layer to the survey operations.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that specialise in topographic and bathymetric surveying. A credible bidder would possess:

• Proven experience in riverine surveys, including in-channel and bathymetric work.
• Proficiency with relevant surveying equipment and software for detailed data capture and processing.
• Established health and safety protocols and environmental management procedures.
• The capacity to manage landowner liaison and traffic management.
• The required insurance coverages.

Consortium bidding or sub-contracting is permitted, allowing SMEs to partner with other firms to meet specific requirements or expand their capabilities. The bid preparation effort is likely to be moderate, focusing on detailing methodologies, pricing, and demonstrating relevant experience. The "Pwin" signal is neutral; there is no clear indication of an incumbent provider or a framework arrangement. The primary focus is on technical capability and adherence to detailed survey specifications.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT Filename: 315948-1-X-Z-XXX-SP-ARUP-CE-0001.pdf
• eTenders CFT ID: Not stated
• Contact: [email protected] (Project Director), [email protected] (Project Manager)
• Key Attachments:
• Appendix A – Cross Sections based survey location
• Appendix C – Break-of-Slope survey location
• Appendix E - Additional areas for topographic survey