Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified applicants to establish a Qualification System for Tree Felling and Vegetation Removal. IÉ invites applications to participate in the pre- qualification process to appoint suitably qualified companies to a qualification system for Tree Felling and Vegetation Removal that may arise on a planned or emergency ad-hoc basis. These requirements can often include the need for ancillary services in conjunction with the main works of Tree Felling and Vegetation Removal. This Qualification System will consist of different types of work, including the below: • “Planned Works” - will apply to planned routine Tree Surgeon works. These will be notified and planned in advance of the works taking place based on a survey or recommendation by Irish Rail and its representatives. Irish Rail will allow sufficient time for tenderers to tender for these services. • “Emergency Works” - will apply to emergency works based on critical safety situations due to circumstances such as weather events, sudden or unpredicted safety concerns etc. and all other reactive situations where safety of the railway is of a critical and time sensitive nature. Irish Rail may require tenderers to tender and carry out these safety critical services in a prompt manner. Those companies successfully appointed to the Qualification System will receive all future tender enquiries during the term of the Qualification System. Please note that the following requirements will also apply to contracts awarded under this Qualification System: • Safe Pass - each employee working on or near the railway line will have to have a valid Safe Pass. • PTS (Personal Track Safety) – If awarded a contract, each employee working on or near the railway line will be required to have a valid PTS. Training courses are run by IÉ. • Manual Handling - due to the nature of the work all employees are required to have undertaken and successfully completed manual handling training. IÉ reserves the right to issue and award Framework Agreements from this QS during its lifetime.