Market Consultation Exercise Request for Information – Inspector Services
The CRU has been given legal powers to grant special orders for the compulsory acquisition of land in certain circumstances by regulated entities including electricity generators or system operators. These special orders may be required in order for the regulated entity to build large electricity infrastructure. Regulated entities can apply to the CRU for a special order under Section 47 of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 (as amended). An application form and guidance note for applicants is available at https://www.cru.ie/regulations-policy/licences/special-orders/.
The CRU wishes to procure the services of suitably qualified persons with appropriate expertise to form a framework from which an individual (referred to as an Inspector) may be called upon to facilitate the comprehensive review of any special order application that is received by the CRU.
Applications are likely to be related to the North-South Interconnector (a proposed 400kV AC overhead transmission line which would connect Northern Ireland with Ireland – see link here), but other applications are also envisaged to be within the scope of service.
It is envisaged that these Inspector services will be procured in accordance with national and EU public procurement rules.
The CRU is undertaking a Market Consultation exercise to take market soundings from persons interested in providing the Inspector services. This consultation exercise is being run in advance of any procurement competition which the CRU may run. The purpose of this consultation exercise is to:
* obtain input from potential service providers on how the tender process and contract might be structured appropriately; and
* establish the nature, structure and capacity of the market to deliver the required Inspector services to the CRU.
The CRU has published a request for information on eTenders (see link here). The request for information can also be found on the CRU website here. Questionnaire responses will enable the CRU to gauge market interest and capacity to provide Inspector services and may assist in the structuring of any future competition. Questionnaire responses should be submitted by email to section47@cru.ie before noon on Wednesday 24 September 2025.
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