Provision of Technical Support to review Applications for Consents to Construct Gas Pipelines

Tender description

The CRU currently wishes to contract for consultancy support to provide independent technical advice and assistance particularly in regard to its consenting functions. Specifically, the successful tenderer will assess whether applicants applying for Section 39a gas pipeline consents meet relevant Irish technical standards. Under Section 39A of the Gas Act 1976 as amended, any person wishing to construct a downstream natural gas pipeline in Ireland must obtain the consent of the CRU. When the CRU receives an application for a ‘Section 39A consent’, it reviews the technical details of the pipeline (and associated equipment) to ensure that the applicant has complied with all relevant technical standards. It is this review that we are seeking support for. The CRU is seeking to engage a consultant to assist it in processing applications for projects seeking a 39A consent. In particular, the CRU is seeking a consultant to carry out a review of the technical aspects of the projects. This will be carried out by reviewing the technical details submitted with the application against technical standards, particularly relevant Irish technical standard / Irish Standard (IS) 328. This will include: o providing a report to the CRU setting out the results of its technical review of the design documents in the application, including: o commentary on the design’s compliance with the relevant Irish technical standard / Irish Standard (IS) 328 o providing recommendations as to any technical conditions that should be added to the consent (if it is granted) o advising the CRU as to whether the technical criteria set out in SI 264 of 2002, have been met. o Otherwise advise the CRU to ensure the processing of Section 39a applications in accordance with all relevant technical requirements.