Invitation to Tender for the Review of the Our Living Islands National Policy 2023-2033 Action Plan

Summary

Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann and Comhar na nOileán CTR invite applications from suitably qualified and experienced consultants to undertake a review the of ‘Our Living Islands’ the Government’s National Islands Policy 2023-2026 in partnership with Island organisations using a mix of research methods. The Action plan contained in this plan set out the role to be played by various stakeholders in implementing this whole-of-Government Policy. The Lead Department is the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht but also includes Department of Education, Department of Health, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Department of Environment Climate and Communications, Department of Transport, Department of Social Protection, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Department of Tourism, Culture, Sports and Media. Other state agencies including the HSE, Local Authorities, LEO’s Local Action Groups, Local Development Companies, Comharchumainn, Approved Housing bodies, National Ambulance Service, LCDC’s and other relevant agencies.

The Action Plan for 2023-2026 is laid out under the following 5 strategic Objectives
Objective 1 – Revitalise population levels on the islands
Objective 2 - Diversify island economies
Objective 3 – Enhance Health and Wellbeing Services
Objective 4 – Empower Island Communities
Objective 5 – Build smart sustainable futures.

Objectives of the Review of the Policy and Action Plan

1. Assess Progress to Date

• Document the level of progress made on each policy measure by the designated lead departments, lead stakeholders, and associated stakeholders, as outlined in the Action Plan.
• Use a combination of desk research, interviews, and relevant reports to support the assessment.

2. Capture Community and Voluntary Sector Experiences

• Explore and outline the experiences of community representatives and voluntary organisations on the Islands in engaging with the Our Living Islands Policy and Action Plan and the Monitoring Committee.
• Specifically review their interactions with lead departments and key stakeholders during implementation.

3. Identify Key Strengths, Challenges, and Gaps

• Evaluate the strengths and successes of the policy implementation to date.
• Identify ongoing challenges, structural or operational gaps, and the types of supports required to enhance delivery.
• Provide insight to inform planning for Phase 2 of the Action Plan (post-2026).

4. Develop a Final Analytical Report and Monitoring Framework

• Produce a final report presenting the full analysis of findings from the review.
• Include within the report a proposed framework for ongoing monitoring of achievements, challenges, gaps, and support needs to ensure the long-term sustainability and development of the Islands

Methodology

The proposal should outline approaches to engaging with all Stakeholders.

The key outputs will be the:

• Final report on the analysis of the review findings
• An outline framework for the ongoing monitoring of the achievements, challenges, gaps and support needs for the sustainability and future development of the Islands.

The successful applicant(s) may also be invited to discuss their approach with Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann and Comhar na nOileán CTR.

Timeline and Budget

• The Group are keen to commence the work as soon as is practicable and asks that tenderers specify how soon they could commence.
• Proposals should include anticipated timelines for activities and anticipated number of days work as part of this project and costs.
• The budget must include all expenses and VAT. 50% of the budget will be paid on project commencement and the remaining 50% will be paid on satisfactory completion of the project.
• The review should be carried out between the months of August 2025 to October 2025 with engagement of key stakeholders in the development of process and plan for the review.

Coordination and Management

Comhar na nOileán will coordinate and manage the work in conjunction with the successful applicant.

Requirements for the proposal

Quotations are required to be submitted by email in either Word or PDF format. Tender responses should adhere to the following format:
Organisational / Consultant profile: Full consultant/organisation name, address, phone number(s), email.
Relevant experience and project team: An overview of relevant experience in the research and/or consultation field.
Methodology: Details on the proposed approaches to be used to address the review objectives.
Project plan: A clear and detailed project plan presenting the timelines for work commencement to completion, with the responsibilities of team members clearly presented.
Project budget: A detailed budget for successfully completing the work, with the daily rate included.

Queries

All queries relating to this tender competition should be sent by email to fios@oileain.ie with the subject line: Tender for the Review of the Our Living Islands Policy and Action Plan

Submission Process

Please submit completed Tender proposals to fios@oileain.ie by 17.00 on the 18th July by email in PDF or Word format with the subject line: Tender for the Review of the Our Living Islands Policy and Action Plan