Public procurement notice: Prior Information Notice Without Call For Competition
Published: 2024-12-20
Buyer: Iarnród Eireann-Irish Rail
Country: IE
Region: IE061
Contract type: Works
CPV classification: 31682400 | 34632100 | 34632200 | 34946000 | 34947000
Estimated value: 2200000000 EUR
Submission deadline: 2025-02-28

Technical requirements: This is a Periodic Indicative Notice (PIN) regarding the possibility of upcoming tenders, by Iarnród Éireann -Irish Rail (IÉ), for the establishment of Qualification Systems and contract opportunities, in connection with the DART+ Programme.

THIS IS NOT A CALL FOR COMPETITION.

DART+ is a transformative programme of projects that aims to modernise and improve existing rail services in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). 

The DART+ Programme consists of five infrastructure projects and another project relating to the procurement of new DART+ fleet.
1.	DART+ West: Maynooth and M3 Parkway to the City Centre
2.	DART+ South West: Hazelhatch & Celbridge to the City Centre
3.	DART+ Coastal North: Drogheda to the City Centre
4.	DART+ Coastal South: Greystones to the City Centre
5.	DART+ Depots

Further information on the project can be found at the DART+ website, www.dartplus.ie
A supplementary brochure with further information supporting the PIN is available at https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/pmc/viewPmc.do?resourceId=4767633

The purpose of this notice is to indicate IÉs intent to establish individual Qualification Systems, via a pre-qualification process, for each of the following areas:
Signalling & Telecoms; Electrification; Civil & Structural Works; Permanent Way; Enabling Works. These qualification systems will be used for design and build contracts for each of the projects within the DART+ Programme subsequently awarded via further competitions (issuance of ITT).

IÉ also intends to issue standalone DART+ specific contracts, single appointment of a Main Contractor via a Negotiated Process (PQQ and ITT) for: Connolly Station; DART+ Depot; Spencer Dock Station. 

Appropriate associated maintenance contracts may also be awarded.

IÉ have previously carried out market engagement for the DART+ programme, refer to PIN reference OJ S 146/2023 01/08/2023   27/7/23.
THIS IS NOT A CALL FOR COMPETITION.
It is the intention of IÉ to establish Qualification Systems and Standalone contracts.  The anticipated scope and value of each procurement is outlined below.
Signalling & Telecoms Qualification System estimated value €300,000,000.00 excl. VAT, with contract values ranging from €40,000,000.00 to €150,000,000.00 excl. VAT and includes but is not limited to:
Computer Based Interlocking for the DART+ areas and associated interfaces
New signalling system to facilitate increased capacity
Implementation of European Train Control Systems (ETCS) Level 1
New copper and fibre telecommunications networks for signalling, electrification and connectivity to SCADA systems
New low voltage (LV 650v) infrastructure
Associated lineside equipment to facilitate new signalling and telecommunications requirements
Associated civil works e.g. signal foundations, equipment bases, cable management system etc.
Electrification Package Qualification System estimated value €550,000,000, with contract values ranging from €120,000,000.00 to €245,000,000.00 excl. VAT and includes but is not limited to:
Installation of new OHLE equipment (1500V DC), masts and associated cabling to connect into traction substations, and lineside feeds
Associated civil works to facilitate connections, masts and lineside feeds
Electrification (traction power), construction and fit out of 25 No. 38kV substations and compound, and electricity supply interface
New SCADA system
Civils & Structural Package Qualification System estimated value €600,000,000.00, with contract values ranging from €74,000,000.00 to €230,000,000.00 excl. VAT and includes but is not limited to:
Bridge, platform and station reconstructions / modifications
Earth retaining and embankment works
Closure of level crossings, provision of replacement access infrastructure (road bridges and/or pedestrian and cycle bridges) and road reconfiguration as applicable
Interventions including track related works and bridge modifications 
Modification at Heuston Yard to create a DART+ train station including construction of a canopy structure and access ramps
Potential construction of additional train stations (requirement currently under review)
Construction and programme management services under consideration
However, further disaggregation of the civils & structures packages, may be determined, leading to smaller individual contract values ranging from €5,000,000 to €20,000,000.
Permanent Way Package Qualification System estimated value €200,000,000.00, with contract values ranging from €15,000,000.00 to €130,000,000.00 excl. VAT and includes but is not limited to:
Four-tracking from Parkwest to Heuston station and associated civil works
Interventions including track lowering, track realignment and track drainage 
Installation of turnouts/points and crossovers
Enabling Works Qualification System estimated value €150,000,000.00, with contract values ranging from €15,000,000.00 to is €40,000,000.00 excl. VAT and includes but is not limited to:
Utility diversions; route clearance works, diversion / relocation of existing cables and containment infrastructure and fencing
Minor civils works including site clearance
However, further disaggregation of the enabling works packages, may be determined, leading to smaller individual contract values ranging from €1,000,000 to €5,000,000.
DART+ Depot Package  (subject to planning approval), estimate value €250,000,000.00 excl. VAT and includes but is not limited to:
Construction of new electrified railway depot and stabling and maintenance compound including associated civil, permanent way, OHLE, building(s) and landscaping works
S&T and E&M Systems including operational and non-operational signalling, electrification, telecoms and mechanical
Supply, install and commission of new 38kv traction power substation, including associated compounds and electrical interface works with energy provider (ESB)
Spencer Dock package new DART+ train station, estimate value €130,000,000.00 excl. VAT and includes but is not limited to:
Construction of a new DART+ train station building with sub surface platforms requiring secant piling to obtain below ground track alignment
Associated civil work for both the structure and railway systems and landscaping works
Slab track leading into the station
Utility diversions
Connolly Station capacity enhancement works package ,estimate value €20,000,000.00 excl. VAT and includes but is not limited to:
Refurbishment of existing historic vaults and creation of new pedestrian access to upper platform level via new station entrance.
Further information will be provided at point of tender.
This PIN serves to inform the market that a call for competition for the DART+ Programme is anticipated to commence in Quarter 1 of 2025.
It is expected that tenders for elements of the DART+ West and South West main works packages will be issued by the end of 2025, subject to funding allocation.
The tenders for Coastal North and Coastal South will follow from 2026 onwards, subject to planning approval.
The date relating to the publication of the contract notice is tentative and may be subject to change. All future tender documentation will be made available on the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) and on www.etenders.gov.ie potential tenderers should register on this website to ensure they have access to tender documentation when the tender opportunity is published.
IMPORTANT: 
This is a Periodic Indicative Notice (PIN). 
This is not a call for competition and therefore no tender documents are available. 
No competitive process will result from this advertisement; any future competitions will be subject to appropriate advertisement via the Official Journal of the European Union and on www.etenders.gov.ie
Organisations or service providers will be required to satisfy the requirements and criteria to be advertised in any subsequent tender competition in order to be selected to proceed to tender.