Provision of Biodiversity Services

Tender description

The Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) 2016 – 2035 identified a core bus network. This core network represents the most important bus routes in the region; the identified core network hereafter referred to as Core Bus Corridors (CBC’s). The existing bus network service pattern for the Dublin Region is under review, the outcome of which will result in changes to the bus service pattern. The review is due to be complete in Q1 2018 and will be the subject of a public consultation exercise in Q2/Q3 2018. This will form part of BusConnects Dublin, an initiative which aims to overhaul the bus system in the Dublin Region. The subject of the work being undertaken as part of this brief is the radial bus network and its associated infrastructure needs. The next stage of BusConnects Dublin involves developing the concept design to preliminary design and bringing the project through the statutory approval process. To ensure compliance with all the relevant environmental legislative requirements, the Authority is very conscious of the time required for environmental surveys and is keen ensure that the seasonal surveys for Spring and Summer 2018 are captured. As such the Authority is looking to appoint a Supplier hereafter referred to as the Biodiversity Service Provider to define the biodiversity baseline for each CBC incorporating the Spring and Summer 2018 surveys, which will be used to develop an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) for BusConnects Dublin. The services required of the Biodiversity Service Provider include, but are not limited to: Defining the Biodiversity Baseline Environment for each CBC through; - Desktop Study; - Site Walkover; - Definition of survey methodology; and - Carrying out of specific surveys for Spring and Summer 2018. The Biodiversity Baseline Environment shall be defined and associated surveys complete to the standard that would be expected of a well-resourced and competent Biodiversity Service Provider