Make contract tendering simpler - CMETB chair

The chair of Cavan-Monaghan ETB has called for changes to make the public tendering process “more straightforward” for local businesses.

Aprilanna Barker outlined her own struggle navigating the system, saying applying for a recent tender had nearly left her “pulling my hair out”.

“It might as well have been in Russian,” she remarked when ETB members met recently at St Bricin’s College, Belturbet.

Ms Barker urged organisations such as CMETB to simplify the application process and remove barriers preventing local businesses from competing for valuable contracts.

The issue arose during discussions on confirmation that CMETB has secured €1.74M under the Post-primary Schoolbooks Scheme, a measure aimed at removing the financial burden of schoolbooks from families.

Fianna Fáil councillor Clifford Kelly welcomed the funding boost, saying it would take the “pressure off parents”, while party colleague Áine Smith praised the initiative for helping ensure “no child is left behind”.

However, debate quickly shifted to wider frustrations surrounding the State’s online eTender procurement system.

Sinn Féin representative Colm Carthy warned there is a “major issue” with the system.

“It's not just businesses but community groups as well,” he stressed, pointing out that some organisations successfully secure funding only to later struggle navigating procurement rules needed to complete projects.

His concerns were echoed by Cllr Kelly and Independent Brendan Fay, who questioned whether repeated talk of “community ethos” in schools was being reflected in terms of where contracts are being awarded.

The fear among members is that small local firms - many of whom sponsor clubs, organisations and events in their own communities - are increasingly losing out to larger outside companies with deeper financial resources.

“You can't buy a copy book,” Mr Fay complained, without having to send it out for tender; while also criticising how how a bus company based in Castleblayney might win a contract to bring children from Belturbet on the cusp of West Cavan to Kingspan Breffni Park.

It was confirmed during the meeting that any contracts for goods, services, or works exceeding €50,000 excluding VAT must be publicly advertised under national procurement rules.

Karen McBride, Director of Organisation Support and Development, said the ETB does provide “workshops” to help businesses better understand the application process.

Chief Executive Fiona McGrath insisted CMETB is “doing as much as we can” to support local providers, but stressed the organisation must still operate within the national procurement framework.