Climate Action Summer Works Project 2026 - Enclosure and Upgrade of External Link Corridor and Associated Works

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

This tender seeks a contractor for the enclosure and upgrade of an external link corridor at Scoil Mhuire, Brierhill. The project aims to create a weather-tight, energy-efficient, safe, and accessible link between the school's 2006 wing and its 2017 extension. The works address building fabric defects, drainage issues, and key safety and compliance requirements, alongside necessary mechanical and electrical modifications.

The scope of work includes, but is not limited to:

• Roof Works:
• Removal of existing rooflight coverings.
• Installation of new proprietary rooflight units on compliant upstands.
• Application of appropriate waterproofing and flashing details to new rooflights.
• Application of a new liquid-applied waterproofing system to the concrete roof deck.
• Reinforcement at junctions, upstands, penetrations, and perimeter details of the roof.
• Corridor Enclosure and Weatherproofing:
• Formation of a weather-tight closure to the existing roof-to-wall junction above the main internal double doors.
• Enclosure of currently exposed corridor ends with appropriate glazing or screen elements.
• Drainage and Water Management:
• Provision of suitable drainage connections for downpipes.
• Addressing surface water management to eliminate standing water.
• Improvement of slip resistance on the corridor surface.
• Door and Glazing Upgrades:
• Upgrade or replacement of doors and screens as required, including ensuring fire performance where applicable.
• Installation of fire-rated glazing where required by design.
• Safety and Lighting:
• Repair or upgrade of emergency lighting and signage within the corridor.
• Heating System Improvements:
• Addressing heating inefficiency in the extension and corridor area.
• Upgrading pipework, pumps, and controls as required.
• Providing insulation to pipework.
• Finishes and Facilities:
• Making good internal finishes.
• Provision of robust, cleanable wall and ceiling linings.
• Installation of a suitable floor finish for a high-traffic school circulation route.
• Incorporation of visitor toilet facilities.
• Services Relocation:
• Removal of existing internal downpipes and routing them externally or at roof level.
• Execution of any other adjustments deemed necessary for the project.

The project is located at Scoil Mhuire, Brierhill, Castlegar, Co. Galway, H91 E5C9. The site is a live school environment with specific security considerations, including pupils with autism who may display flight-risk behaviours. The contractor must implement a robust standard of physical segregation and access control.

The contract allows for an 8-week construction period, though adequate time will be provided for safe completion. The contractor will be appointed as the Project Supervisor for the Construction Stage (PSCS).

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement falls under the "Climate Action Summer Works Project 2026" initiative, indicating a focus on improving the energy efficiency and environmental performance of educational facilities. The project at Scoil Mhuire, Brierhill, is driven by the need to address persistent water ingress, slip hazards, heat loss, and safety concerns arising from the current open corridor configuration. The existing structure suffers from leaking rooflights, cracks in the concrete roof slab, poorly detailed junctions, and inadequate drainage. Furthermore, open-ended sections create wind tunnel conditions and door slamming hazards. The upgrade aims to create a weather-tight, energy-efficient, safe, and accessible link, aligning with broader educational infrastructure improvement programmes. The project is managed by the Department of Education and Youth, with Coughlan Consulting Engineering acting as the Project Supervisor for the Design Process (PSDP).

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must satisfy minimum requirements to be considered for this tender. These include:

• Turnover requirement: Annual turnover for the three previous financial years must be not less than 1.5 times the sum tendered for this project. Evidence must be provided by a certified accountant.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability Insurance: Minimum cover of €6,500,000.
• Employer's Liability Insurance: Minimum cover of €13,000,000. Validated copies of policies must be provided within 7 calendar days if requested.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience:
• Must have satisfactorily completed 3 works of a similar nature, size, and complexity within the last 7 years.
• Details of these projects, including start/finish dates, foreman names, scope of work, and contact details for contracting authorities/consultants, must be provided if requested.
• For the PSCS role, at least 3 works of a similar nature, size, and complexity must have been fulfilled in the last 7 years.
• Personnel:
• Competent personnel must be assigned to the roles of Contracts Manager, Health & Safety Manager, Foreman, and Project Supervisor for the Construction Stage (PSCS). One person may fulfil multiple roles.
• Evidence (CVs) demonstrating previous experience in the assigned role on projects of similar nature, size, and complexity must be provided if requested.
• The designated PSCS must have at least 3 years of experience in the Building Trade and formal externally accredited training in Health and Safety relevant to the PSCS role within the last 5 years.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

Bidders must also comply with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and associated regulations.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The award criteria are not explicitly detailed with scoring percentages in the provided documentation. However, the tender process follows an Open Procedure, and the "Declaration of Suitability for Contractors for Small Works" document implies that tenders will be evaluated based on suitability and compliance with stated requirements. The successful tenderer will be the one who meets all mandatory requirements and is deemed most advantageous to the contracting authority. The selection process will likely involve a combination of technical capability, experience, and price. The PSCS role requires demonstrated competency.

6. Submission requirements

Bidders are required to submit a Declaration of Suitability for Contractors for Small Works. This declaration is not required at the tender submission stage but must be produced by the apparently successful tenderer within 7 calendar days of being requested. If satisfactory evidence cannot be provided within this timeframe, the tender will be excluded.

The declaration includes sections requiring bidders to confirm:

• Turnover: Certified turnover for the three previous financial years.
• Insurance: Details of Public Liability and Employer's Liability Insurance.
• Personnel Qualifications: Evidence of competent personnel for key roles (Contracts Manager, Health & Safety Manager, Foreman, PSCS) and their relevant experience.
• Past Experience: Details of 3 completed works of similar nature, size, and complexity within the last 7 years.
• Health & Safety Compliance: Confirmation of adherence to Safety, Health and Welfare at Work legislation.
• PSCS Competency: For the PSCS role, evidence of experience and training.

Specific documents to be submitted if requested include:

• Original letter from the firm's accountant confirming certified turnover for the past 3 years.
• Validated copies of Public Liability and Employer's Liability Insurance policies.
• Brief Curriculum Vitae (CVs) for assigned personnel.
• Details of 3 past projects of similar nature, size, and complexity.
• Health and Safety Declaration (Appendix C1 to QW2) if requested.
• Supporting documentation for H&S procedures if required for Type 3 projects.

The submission method is via eTenders, and specific formatting rules will apply.

7. Key dates & process

The construction period is stated as 8 weeks.

8. Contract terms that matter

The contract duration is specified as an 8-week construction period. The successful tenderer will be appointed as the Project Supervisor for the Construction Stage (PSCS). Bidders must provide evidence of compliance with Safety, Health and Welfare at Work legislation. The contractor is responsible for providing their own welfare facilities. The contract requires adherence to the Preliminary Safety and Health Plan, which will be developed into a Construction Stage Safety and Health Plan by the PSCS prior to commencing work. A robust live school site security schedule is mandatory, requiring continuous secure separation between pupils and the works area, robust hoarding, fencing, and lockable gates. The contractor must also manage site access, deliveries, and movements carefully, especially during school arrival, break, and dismissal times.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Live School Site Security: The requirement for a "robust standard of physical segregation and access control" due to pupils with autism and flight-risk behaviours presents a significant operational risk. Contractors must demonstrate a clear understanding and capability to manage this sensitive environment.
• PSCS Appointment: The successful tenderer will be appointed as PSCS, requiring them to possess specific qualifications and experience beyond standard contracting roles. This dual responsibility needs careful management.
• Limited Information at Tender Stage: Key documents like topographical surveys, geotechnical investigations, and detailed existing services information are noted as "to be completed" or not provided, placing a greater onus on the contractor to undertake thorough site investigations and risk assessments.
• Short Construction Period: An 8-week construction period for enclosure, upgrade, drainage, M&E modifications, and toilet incorporation is tight, requiring efficient project management and programming.
• Turnover Requirement: The turnover requirement of 1.5 times the tendered sum is a specific multiplier that bidders must meet.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is structured as a "Small Works" project under an Open Procedure, suggesting it is intended to be accessible to a range of contractors.

• Who can credibly bid: Small to medium-sized construction firms with proven experience in school or similar public building refurbishment projects. Key requirements include demonstrated competence in managing health and safety on live sites, experience with building fabric upgrades (roofing, weatherproofing, glazing), drainage, and basic mechanical/electrical services. Crucially, firms must be capable of fulfilling the Project Supervisor for the Construction Stage (PSCS) role, which requires specific experience and training.
• Consortium/Sub-contracting: The documentation does not explicitly prohibit consortia or sub-contracting. However, the PSCS role must be clearly defined, and if sub-contracted, the sub-contractor must meet the required qualifications. The primary contractor remains responsible for overall delivery and compliance.
• Indicative bid-prep effort: Bid preparation will likely involve significant effort due to the detailed Suitability Declaration. This includes gathering financial evidence, insurance certificates, detailed project histories, and CVs for key personnel. Estimating for the scope of works, including the PSCS responsibilities and site-specific security measures, will also be time-consuming. A rough estimate might be 5-10 days of dedicated effort for a firm familiar with public sector tenders.
• Pwin signal: The tender is for "Small Works" and uses an Open Procedure, suggesting it is genuinely open to competition. The requirement for the contractor to also act as PSCS is a significant factor, potentially favouring firms with established H&S management systems and personnel. The lack of an incumbent being named suggests a competitive field.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename(s): [DoEY_Contractor_Suitability_Declaration_for_Small_Works.docx], [CCE- Scoil Mhuire, Briarhill - Preliminary Health and Safety Plan P1 - 27.08.2026.pdf]
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Contact email or clarification portal: Not specified
• Most important attachments:
• DoEY_Contractor_Suitability_Declaration_for_Small_Works.docx
• CCE- Scoil Mhuire, Briarhill - Preliminary Health and Safety Plan P1 - 27.08.2026.pdf