At this phase in developing Metro North project, RPA contractors and sub-contractors will begin to physically construct the approved metro rail line based on the detailed design drawings.
At this stage preparatory works including realignment of utilities, tunnelling, track foundations, stop construction and landscaping will begin.
RPA will ensure all construction work for the building of the line will be completed in safe way in accordance to the stipulations laid out by the Railway Order giving permission to build the line.
Construction works on Metro North will be carried-out based on the design drawings for the alignment and on an agreed schedule between RPA and its contractors.
During the construction phase, RPA will issue regular construction updates to local residents and businesses
When construction of the line is complete including all track and finishing works, RPA will begin pre-operational testing of Metro North with trams in advance of full passenger services.
Metro North 3D Animation
Click here to view or download the full version of Metro North 3D Animation Simulation. The file may take sometime to download due to the size of the file. You will need Adobe Flash to view the full animation. You may also be requested to download an Adobe plug-in to view the animation.
Metro North Procurement
Government mandated RPA to develop the Metro North project as a public private partnership (PPP) scheme to enable the best whole-life management approach to the design, construction, maintenance and operation of this key piece of transport infrastructure. The project will be carried out on the basis of a design, build, finance and maintain contract (the "Infrastructure Contract") having a term of the construction period plus 25 years from the commencement of passenger services. The project will also include an operations contract (the “Operating Contract”) which will be effective from the commencement of passenger services.
In general terms, the Infrastructure Contractor shall be responsible for the performance of the works and the maintenance which may include the following specific services as well as any related works / services:
- the detailed design and construction of the project, in accordance with the Railway Order, including the provision of rolling stock;
- commissioning, testing and bringing the project into passenger service, (including obtaining the safety cases Section 46(1) of the Railway Safety Act 2005);
- the maintenance and renewal of both infrastructure (including for example track, signalling and stations) and rolling stock and for ensuring that they are available to the Operator for passenger service;
- financing the project
In general terms, the Operating Contract shall include the following specific services as well as any related services:
- operation of Metro North (including stations, rolling stock, the Control Centre and car parks);
- responsibility for strategies for combating fare evasion;
- ticketing services (including revenue and fare collection) and the provision and training of personnel in relation to ticketing; and
- customer services.
Procurement Process
On 22nd March 2007 RPA announced the commencement of the formal procurement process for Metro North following publication of procurement competition notices for the Metro North project in the Official Journal of the European Union (“OJEU”). The notices confirmed the structure of the contracts to be awarded and sought expressions of interest from organisations who wanted to participate in the tendering process.
On 7th November 2007 RPA prequalified four consortia to be invited to tender for the concession to design, build, finance and maintain Metro North and to operate the scheme. On 12th May 2008 RPA issued tender documents to the four prequalified consortia. For details of the four tendering consortia please click here.
In June 2009 RPA announced details of the two Tenderers who have been selected to proceed to the final stage of the Metro North PPP procurement competition. The two tenderers are :
Celtic Metro Group (Barclays Private Equity, Obrascon Huarte Lain, Mitsui, Soares da Costa, Iridium Concesionesde Infraestructuras S.A., CAF and MTR)
Metro Express (Macquarie Capital, Global Via Infrastructuras, Allied Irish Bank, Bombardier and Transdev RATP)
This marks a significant milestone in the delivery of the project. RPA plan to formally commence the final stage of the procurement competition following a decision being made on the Metro North Railway Order Application.
RPA are pleased with the level of competition in the Metro North procurement process to date and believes that the final stage of the competition can deliver a value for money solution for the state whilst providing an important stimulus to the economy.
Click here to view or download Metro North Tenderers Press Release (PDF)
Click here to view or download Metro North Contact Details of Shortlisted Tenderer (PDF)
RPA are planning to carry out some works, such as utility diversions, as enabling works in advance of the main infrastructure contract. These are likely to commence in 2009, following the granting of the Railway Order.
For more information on procurement tenders and contract awards please go to www.etenders.gov.ie
For more information on the RPA Procurement Process click here.