Tender Results of Department Of Housing Local Government And Heritage

The Contractor will design and carry out a drone survey and investigation in summer and winter, with the first survey completed before 30th September 2023 and the second surveying before May 2024.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) provides the legislative and policy framework for the conservation of nature and biodiversity in Ireland. It also oversees its implementation, based on good science, with particular emphasis on the protection of habitats and species. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage manages the Irish State's nature conservation responsibilities under national and European law. A particular responsibility of the NPWS is the designation and protection of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs). NPWS and Intel Corporation are currently collaborating on an ecological restoration project on Liffey Head blanket bog in the Wicklow Mountains Special Area of Conservation (SAC), which is part of the Wicklow Mountains National Park (WMNP).

The Scientific Advice and Research Directorate (SARD) in NPWS supports conservation, protection and restoration of nature, including coastal habitats. SARD provides scientific and technical assistance relating to conservation projects and compiles scientific evidence to support decision making. Coastal ecology is an important element of the work of SARD. As an island with a complex and variable coastline, Ireland supports a large number of coastal habitats including 15 habitats that are listed on Annex I of the Habitats Directive as well as many species of conservation interest. Coastal systems are under pressure from farming, development, tourism and climate change. Expertise in the ecology of coastal habitats, especially those listed on Annex I of the Habitats Directive, is required to inform management and restoration, and to support delivery of statutory obligations.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service NPWS of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are seeking tenders from interested parties to provide support to the Conservation Planning Unit in the Scientific Advice and Research Directorate of NPWS in the production and delivery of Site-Specific Conservation Objectives SSCOs for Natura 2000 sites within Ireland. SSCOs are a legal requirement and key feature in the protection processes for designated Natura 2000 sites and their features within Ireland. NPWS have been undertaking this process for a number of years, and have developed standardized templates and reporting processes. These templates and processes will be used and, where necessary, built upon as part of this support contract. This is an entirely desk-based project, taking place part-time from Sept 2023 to Dec 2024. Good editing skills and attention to detail will be a priority. Brief tenders demonstrating experience and with clear costings will be appreciated.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is responsible for the implementation of the Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme on behalf of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme is in place for those affected by the cessation of turf cutting on certain designated sites. The scheme offers qualifying applicants the option of a payment of €1,500 per year; index linked, for a period of 15 years or, where feasible, relocation to a non-designated bog where they can continue to cut turf. For those awaiting a Relocation site they can opt to receive a supply of turf. The Department is seeking tenders from suppliers of cut turf who can make an annual delivery of an amount equivalent to 15 tonnes of turf suitable for domestic heating.