Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has issued a Periodic Indicative Notice (PIN) to initiate the procurement process for the MetroLink Enabling Works Programme, scheduled to commence in Q3 2025. This programme aims to prepare sites for the main infrastructure works of MetroLink, Ireland's flagship urban rail project.

The programme of Enabling Works comprises the establishment of a suite of framework agreements and qualification systems. To deliver the enabling and advance works for MetroLink, TII intends to establish three no. multi-party framework agreements and two no. qualification systems as listed below:

• Enabling Works and Specialist Heritage Works Framework;
• Utilities Framework;
• Civils Enabling Works Framework;
• Archaeology Qualification System; and
• Independent Monitoring and Surveying Qualification System

MetroLink will commence procurement of the Enabling Works Programme in Q3 2025. The Enabling Works Programme comprises the setting up of frameworks and qualification systems to facilitate the procurement of enabling works which will commence in advance of the main infrastructure works contracts (civil engineering, tunnelling and stations).

These works are designed to clear a path for the main infrastructure works contracts. This approach will ensure that the site areas are free from risks such as existing utilities, archaeology, heritage items (for storage/ replacement) and buildings currently occupying station locations etc. to the largest extent possible. Call off contracts are currently being developed for each of these frameworks and qualification systems and will be procured as scheduled throughout the lifetime of the MetroLink Programme.

The Enabling Works programme will be procured via procedures that will encompass the issue of a Contract Notice and the issue of pre-qualification documents for the frameworks and qualification system questionnaires for the qualification systems, which will commence in June 2025. The Enabling works programme will offer opportunities to suppliers, typically in the lower tiers of construction supply chains, across the whole of Ireland to get involved in MetroLink.