DfI Rivers Directorate Framework for Watercourse Maintenance

The Department for Infrastructure Rivers Directorate is establishing a Watercourse Maintenance Framework for the delivery of watercourse maintenance and flood defence related works across Northern Ireland. The Framework is intended to support the management of flood risk, maintenance of designated watercourses and associated drainage infrastructure, and the preservation of hydraulic capacity within the river network.

The Framework will operate for a period of four years and will be divided into five geographical Lots; comprising of:

- Lot 1 (WME1) Lisburn and Greater Belfast,

- Lot 2 (WMW1) Coleraine,

- Lot 3 (WMW2) Omagh,

- Lot 4 (WME2) Armagh, and

- Lot 5 (WMW3) Fermanagh.

For each Lot, the Authority intends to appoint a Primary Supplier and a Reserve Supplier. Call off contracts will be awarded as Measured Term Contracts (MTCs), with individual Works Orders ranging in value up to £250,000 (excluding VAT). The Framework is structured to promote continuity of service delivery, maintain competition and support supply chain resilience.

The scope of works may include, but is not limited to the following principal work activities:

A) Maintenance of designated watercourses,

B) Riverbank and flood defence maintenance and scrub clearance,

C) Tree felling/removal,

D) Provision of labour/plant' and

E) Treatment of aquatic weed/invasive species.