Waterways Ireland has launched a request for tender for the development of a visitor and tourism plan for the Clondra/Richmond Harbour and Tarmonbarry area at the western end of the Royal Canal.

According to the RFT, the intended plan “will chart and identify the recreational and tourism interventions required to boost tourism, recreation and economic regeneration in the area”.

Among its objectives are “to take an integrated development approach to conserve, develop and promote [the area] as a significant recreation/tourism destination in the centre of Ireland”, and “to set out a clear, realistic and achievable tourism vision…over a 10-year period”.

In addition, any plan “must be compatible with the environmental designation and zoning” of the localities covered on this part of the inland waterway.

A particular focus for Waterways Ireland will be to “protect and restore one of our heritage assets” — namely the old lock keeper’s house at Lock 46, which dates from the early 19th century.

The deadline for receipt of tender applications is 3pm on Thursday 13 January 2022. More details can be found on the eTenders website HERE.

Two new notices have been issued for the supply of vessels to offshore and marine consultants and the Revenue Commissioners, respectively.

In the first, a request for tender (RFT), Aigéan Marine Teoranta requires the supply and delivery of a second-hand multi-purpose vessel from a suitably qualified supplier.

For a full specification, see Appendix I of the tender document which is available from the eTenders website (registration required). The deadline for this RFT is 4pm on Friday 3 December.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners has issued a Prior Information Notice (PIN) on its intentions to begin a procurement process in early 2022 for the supply of a “customs cutter” patrol vessel of marine-grade aluminium construction. Further details will be advertised in due course.