The publication of the National Development Plan 2021-2030 (NDP) on 4 October 2021 by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar TD, the Minister for the Environment, Climate Communications and Transport, Eamon Ryan TD and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath TD confirms MetroLink as a key priority for the Government in meeting Ireland’s future public transport needs. Identified as likely the largest ever public investment project in the history of the State, the inclusion of MetroLink in the NDP demonstrates the Government’s commitment to its funding and delivery to allow the project to “move off the drawing board and into construction”.
The NDP acknowledges that significant progress has been made in terms of non-statutory public consultations and in the planning and design of the scheme. Since its submission by TII to the National Transport Authority (NTA) in February 2021, the Preliminary Business Case for MetroLink has been following the review process required for Decision Gate 1, as set out in the Public Spending Code (PSC). It is now anticipated that the NTA and the Department of Transport will present the Preliminary Business Case for the consideration by Government shortly and seek Approval in Principle. This approval will allow TII to proceed to the Project Design, Planning and Procurement Strategy stage and to apply for the Railway Order. TII is targeting the completion of all relevant planning material for MetroLink to allow a Railway Order Application to be made in the first half of 2022.
TII now intends to progress its market consultation in respect of MetroLink, and in particular on the anticipated use of a public-private partnership (PPP) for the delivery of the rolling stock, line-wide systems, and service operations as has been outlined in previous TII Market Updates. The purpose of the consultation - expected to commence during November - is to explore with potential sponsors and financiers the level of interest and market capacity to support the financing of the PPP, as well as to consult on its scope and commercial structure. The consultation will also examine how using a PPP approach could help the MetroLink project to meet its objectives, including in respect of sustainable outcomes and the use of green energy. An information document and questionnaire will be made available to interested parties as part of the consultation. Further consultation is also planned on the continued development by TII of the three main design-build contract packages for the core infrastructure. This is scheduled to be held during 2022.
More detailed information on how interested parties can participate in the planned market consultations will be issued shortly together with an indicative timeframe for the process. The consultation on the PPP will be conducted by TII with the assistance of the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) as financial adviser to TII in relation to MetroLink.
While TII’s offices at Parkgate Business Centre, Dublin are now open on a strictly limited basis, the MetroLink team continues to work largely remotely in keeping with government guidelines on COVID 19. It is expected that the scheduled market consultation will also likely take place remotely, in the first instance, although some in-person meetings may be facilitated in line with public health guidance.
A Prior Indicative Notice (PIN) will be published by TII in the Official Journal of the EU in advance of any Contract Notice in respect of the metro works and operations. For further details on the project see https://www.metrolink.ie/#/home
TII has recently concluded a contract for the development and provision of a Common Data Environment with Bentley Systems in respect of MetroLink. Preferred Tenderers have also been identified in relation to the appointment of an Independent Engineering Expert and for a Project Conservation Architect for the scheme.
To support TII in the next stages of the delivery of MetroLink, several other appointments are scheduled to be made through upcoming tenders that are expected to be launched during Q4 2021 and Q1 2022.
As advised in the May 2021 Update, a Prior Indicative Notice was published by TII in relation to the proposed appointment of a Client Partner who will provide the necessary skilled resources and advisory services to support the procurement and delivery of MetroLink. The role of the Client Partner will be to assist TII in the development of all procurement documentation for the scheme which will include the tender designs, works information, specifications and contracts used in the procurement of all MetroLink Main works packages. TII expects to issue a Contract Notice for Client Partner Support services during Q4 2021 pursuant to the Prior Indicative Notice dated 21 April 2021, TED Reference: 2021/S 080-207087, and as published on etenders.gov.ie.
TII intends to publish a Contract Notice for Project Delivery Partner services during late 2022/early 2023 (see below).
TII will shortly issue call-off tender documents under an existing framework agreement for the supply of engineering design and contract management services in respect of a series of planned Advance Works contracts to be developed and delivered by TII for MetroLink. These works will comprise, inter alia, utility diversions, site clearance and preparatory works, resolution of heritage and archaeological matters, demolitions and similar advance works that will facilitate the follow-on core civil engineering contracts for MetroLink.
The NDFA is financial advisor to TII in relation to MetroLink. To assist it in its role, the NDFA is planning to procure specialist financial advisory services for the anticipated PPP procurement and related matters. The advisor will be appointed and managed by the NDFA but the end user will be TII. The NDFA will publish a contract notice in due course.
TII intends to publish a Contract Notice on etenders.gov.ie sometime during Q4 2021 for the provision of insurance advisory services to TII for MetroLink. The scope of services is expected to include advice on the establishment of an owner-controlled insurance programme to cover the activities within the principal design-build and PPP contract packages for MetroLink and to support TII in procuring such a programme of insurance. Specialist insurance advice will also be sought in relation to all activities associated with the project, including the works and services planned to be delivered under the PPP contract.
TII intends to publish a Contract Notice for Project Delivery Partner services during late 2022/early 2023. The scope of services is expected to include responsibility for the contract administration of the principal design-build and PPP contract packages and management of the construction delivery, commissioning, and the bringing-into-service of MetroLink. It is anticipated this will include for the appointment of the Project Delivery Partner to act as the Project Manager and Supervisor under the three core civil engineering contracts for MetroLink.
Further information on the anticipated timing and scope of the Project Delivery Partner appointment will be made available later in 2022. TII will publish a contract notice on etenders.gov.ie in due course.
Download a PDF copy of the Dublin MetroLink Market Update: October 2021.