DRD - Rathlin Island Ferry Service Provision

Tender description

This procurement is on behalf of the Department for Regional Development (DRD) The Department wishes to appoint a service provider to operate a life-line ferry service between Ballycastle and Rathlin Island. The contract objectives for the service are: • To maintain a 'life-line' service to Rathlin Island; and • Link with other statutory authorities to enhance the Island community. DRD have satisfied themselves that the purpose of this Public Service Obligation/Contract is to meet the Departments policy objectives to deliver lifeline ferry services between Ballycastle and Rathlin Island which will be subsidised by the Department through a public service contract complying with the Cabotage Regulations and the EU maritime State Aid rules as set out in Council Regulation (EEC) 3577/92 and Commission decision 2012/21/EU. The Service of General Economic Interest (SGEI) public service subsidy being provided as part of this contract does not constitute state aid and therefore there is no requirement to notify the European Commission because the following rules, established as part of the landmark Altmark judgement, have been satisfied: — There is a clearly defined public service obligation — The parameters for calculating the subsidy have been established in advance in and objective and transparent manner. — The Subsidy will not exceed the relevant costs and a reasonable profit and — The provider will be chosen following a public procurement procedure.