Dublin and Cork Airport operator DAA has started seeking contractors for airfield and landside developments at Dublin Airport that it said have a "potential indicative investment level of up to €425 million" over the next eight years.
As reported by The Irish Times, the projects in the overall package that has gone out to tender include new aircraft stands, rehabilitating parts of Dublin Airport's runway aprons, a vehicle underpass linking the eastern and western parts of the airfield, widening and extending airfield taxiways, and upgrading the electrical network serving the airport.
The DAA also wants to upgrade Dublin Airport's environmental systems, install new electrical charging points for vehicles and equipment operated by ground handling companies, add public electric vehicle charging points and upgrade airfield lighting systems to energy efficient LED fittings.
Subject To Change
DAA's procurement documents state that the list of projects is indicative and subject to change, and the company notes that "the scale, scope and timing of the works in question may be amended as many projects are subject to planning permission being granted".
The DAA is keeping the construction schedule of its overall Dublin Airport capital programme under review due to the negative impact that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on air travel.
Carried Over From Last Capital Programme Or Included In Current Investment Plan
The projects included in this tender process were either carried over from Dublin Airport's last capital programme or are included in the current investment plan, which received approval from the independent body that sets charges at Dublin Airport, the Commission for Aviation Regulation, last year.
"Twin Track Approach"
Last month, a DAA spokesperson said that the company is "adopting a twin track approach to the Dublin Airport capital programme", and is moving ahead with "activities such as procurement and planning as these do not require significant capital investment at this point".
The spokesperson also said that starting procurement now will safeguard Dublin Airport's long-term requirements and help to get the projects completed in a cost-efficient manner.
The DAA hopes to appoint contractors in autumn, and, due to the scale of the work, it is thought to be likely that companies will form groups to bid jointly for the business, which is being divided into two specific lots.
Previous Tendering Process News
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