Development of Safe Yield Hydrological / Hydrogeological Assessment Stage 1 report for Kilmeena Group Water Scheme

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 hydrological and hydrogeological assessment, Stage 1, for the Kilmeena Group Water Scheme (GWS). The assessment will use existing data to produce a preliminary report on the potential environmental impact of water abstraction from Ballin Lough. If the Stage 1 assessment indicates further investigation is needed, the report must recommend subsequent hydrological and hydrogeological assessments to confirm sustainable safe yields and environmental impacts.

The contractor will perform the following activities:

• Source and Abstraction Documentation: Detail the GWS source (Ballin Lough), abstraction rates, water treatment plant capacity, and waterbody status.
• Data Gap Identification: Document scenarios not covered by existing datasets or abstraction registers, noting any water transfers.
• Environmental Designations: Outline details of any Special Protection Areas (NPWS), specifically water-dependent species and habitats.
• Catchment Characterisation: Document catchment characteristics including:
• Catchment area and lake area.
• Local knowledge of groundwater influences.
• Details of other known abstractions upstream of the GWS.
• 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).
• Screening Exercise: Use the gathered data and the ERBD metric to screen the abstraction's impact under various scenarios (e.g., current abstraction rates, plant design capacity).
• Flow Rate Calculation: Calculate the 50%ile inflow rate (or outflow alternative) to the lake source. Utilise available hydrometric gauge data where possible. If unavailable, employ an appropriate alternative method (e.g., EPA Hydrotool, Area-SAAR Model, OPW FSU).
• Flow Duration Curve (FDC) Development: Develop an FDC for downstream channels from the lake source and determine the percentage change in natural flow under different conditions. Assess the impact on the watercourse using the methodology outlined in the EPA guidance document on assessing abstraction impacts.
• Site Visit: Conduct a site visit to the GWS to gather local knowledge and ground-proof assessments.
• Stage 2/3 Scope: Draft a scope of works for Stage 2/3 assessments for any GWS where Stage 1 concludes further investigation is warranted.
• Correspondence: Engage in correspondence with GWS and NFGWS staff.
• Account Management: Nominate a dedicated account manager responsible for contract matters and satisfactory service delivery.
• Fee Proposal: Submit a fee proposal including VAT.
• Invoicing: Submit invoices on a stage basis.

3. Background & buyer context

Kilmeena Group Water Scheme Co-Operative Society Limited is procuring this service to assess the environmental impact of its water abstraction from Ballin Lough. This assessment is driven by the need to understand and confirm the sustainable safe yields and environmental effects of their abstraction activities. The procurement aligns with the EPA's July 2025 guidance on assessing the impact of abstractions on waterbodies and identifying significant abstractions in Ireland. This guidance specifies allowable changes in natural Q50 lake outflow. The National Federation of Group Water Schemes (NFGWS) is involved in providing data and managing the tender process.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:

• 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.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender. Bidders must also confirm compliance with statutory obligations, including:
• Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015
• Equal Status Acts 2000-2018
• National Minimum Wage Act 2000
• Organisation of Working Time Act 1997
• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
• Disability Act 2005 Bidders must declare they are not bankrupt, involved in corruption, fraud, money laundering, criminal organisations, child labour, or human trafficking.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Criterion Weighting Maximum Marks Sub-criteria / Thresholds