Appropriate Assessment Technical Assistance Framework

Tender description

The EPA is establishing a multi operator framework agreement for the procurement of Appropriate Assessment Technical Assistance. The EPA is obliged in accordance with the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 as amended (hereafter referred to as the Habitats Regulations), to carry out appropriate assessment screening (Stage 1) on all applications for consents received by the ELP in accordance with Regulation 42(1) of the Habitats Regulations. Where a project has been screened and it has been determined that the project alone or in combination with other plans or projects is likely to have a significant effect on a European Site then a Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment (AA) must be carried out by the EPA in accordance with Habitats Regulations. The purpose of this tender is to engage external consultants to prepare assessment reports on the ecological impact of activities/proposed activities on European Sites to assist the EPA in making Stage 1 and Stage 2 AA determinations.