MetroLink Market Update: February 2022

MetroLink Market Update: February 2022

The publication of the National Development Plan 2021-2030 (NDP) on 4 October 2021 has confirmed MetroLink as a key priority for the Government in meeting Ireland’s future public transport needs and as likely the largest ever public investment project in the history of the State.

The delivery of MetroLink is also identified as a key step in meeting the objectives of the Climate Action Plan 2021, published on 4 November 2021, and is listed as Action 247 in the accompanying Annex of Actions 2021 (published on 14 December 2021). These objectives include achieving a 51% reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by no later than 2050, as set out in the Climate Act 2021. The Climate Action Plan sets Q2 2022 for submission of the MetroLink Railway Order application and Q2 2023 for the grant of statutory planning approval and initiation of the procurement process for PPP contract for systems and operations.

The inclusion of MetroLink in both the NDP and Climate Action Plan demonstrates the Government’s commitment to its funding and delivery of the project. The Preliminary Business Case for MetroLink was submitted by the National Transport Authority (NTA) to the Department of Transport in December 2021, to be presented to Government seeking the grant of Approval in Principle to proceed to the Project Design, Planning and Procurement Strategy stage. Following approval at Decision Gate 1 of the Public Spending Code (PSC), TII intends to apply for the Railway Order, targeted for Q2 2022.

Adviser and Professional Services Appointments anticipated during 2022

In support of these delivery dates, TII anticipates making a number of professional services appointments during 2022.

  • The Contract Notice requesting expressions of interest for the role of the Client Partner has now been published The Contract Notice requesting expressions of interest for the role of the Client Partner has now been published (see the Appendix for further details).
  • A Contract Notice in respect of the appointment of a Specialist Financial Advisor for MetroLink PPP Project by the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA), acting in its capacity as the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) is anticipated to be published during Q1 2022.

Further appointments by TII in relation to MetroLink are anticipated during the course of the year. These are outlined in the Appendix below.

APPENDIX: Recent, current and forthcoming competitions for adviser and professional services

TII has recently concluded contracts for 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 proposed through upcoming tenders that are expected to be launched during 2022.

Selection by TII of a Client Partner for MetroLink

Pursuant to the PIN dated 21 April 2021, TED Reference: 2021/S 080-207087, and as published on etenders.gov.ie, TII has now published a Contract Notice in the OJEU and on eTenders, TED Reference: 2022/S 022-056137 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 intends to publish a Contract Notice for the related Project Delivery Partner services during late 2022/early 2023 (see below).

Selection by NTMA/NDFA of a Specialist Financial Advisor for MetroLink PPP Project

The National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA), acting in its capacity as the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA), is the statutory financial advisor to MetroLink. To assist it in its role as financial advisor to TII, the NDFA is planning to procure the assistance of a specialist financial advisor to provide metro PPP financial advice and resources in support of the procurement of the PPP project by TII, and on related matters. The advisor will be appointed by the NDFA, but the end user will be TII. The scope of the design-build contracts for the core infrastructure are not included in the appointment. NTMA/NDFA expects to publish its contract notice on etenders.gov.ie during Q1 2022.

Selection by TII of an Insurance Adviser for MetroLink

TII intends to publish a Contract Notice on etenders.gov.ie sometime during 2022 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.

Supplementary Notes to the February 2022 Update

Note 1: As outlined in the October 2021 Update, TII still plans to hold market consultation with Interested Parties on the anticipated use of a Public Private Partnership (PPP) for systems and operations as a part of the overall delivery of MetroLink. This consultation is expected to commence following the approval of the MetroLink Preliminary Business Case by Government, anticipated in Q2 2022.

Note 2: The target date of Q2 2023 for the initiation of the procurement process for the PPP contract set out in the Climate Action Plan 2021 relates to the anticipated publication of a Prior Indicative Notice.

To download a copy of this Market Update for February 2022 please click here.

To download a copy of the Supplementary Notes please click here.