Procurement Policy Updates

DPER circulars, OGP framework changes, EU threshold updates, and other regulatory developments affecting Irish public procurement.

Circular High impact

Circular 17/2025: Updated Green Public Procurement Instructions

Government has issued Circular 17/2025, replacing Circular 20/2019, to boost Green Public Procurement (GPP) implementation across public bodies. It provides updated instructions mandating environmental considerations in procurement processes. Irish suppliers must now prioritize green credentials in bids, while buyers integrate GPP as default for goods, services, and works, impacting tender evaluations and contract awards.

gov.ie - Sustainable Public Procurement News Detected 2026-05-10 Affects all sectors
Threshold Change High impact Effective 2026-01-01

EU Procurement Thresholds Updated for 2026–2027 Cycle

The European Commission's biennial Delegated Regulations adjusting the EU procurement directive thresholds came into force on 1 January 2026. New thresholds apply across all Irish contracting authorities: €140,000 for central government goods/services, €216,000 for sub-central authorities, €750,000 for Schedule 3 social and other specific services, €5,404,000 for works, and €432,000 for utilities sectoral goods/services. Contracts above these values must be advertised on TED in addition to eTenders. Last verified: 2026-05-05.

European Commission Delegated Regulations (2026 cycle) Detected 2026-04-25 Affects all sectors
Circular Medium impact Effective 2024-09-01

Updated Guidance on SME Participation in Public Procurement

Ministers Donohoe and Smyth announced an update to the OGP guidance supporting SME participation in public procurement. The revised guidance encourages contracting authorities to break large contracts into smaller lots, lower turnover and insurance requirements where proportionate, and accept open-book accounting and parent-company guarantees where appropriate. Aimed at reducing barriers that have historically locked smaller Irish suppliers out of central government contracts.

Local Enterprise Office / OGP Guidance Detected 2026-04-25 Affects all sectors
Circular High impact Effective 2025-07-21

New DPER Circular on Green Public Procurement Obligations

Government approved a new Circular replacing 20/2019 to implement Green Public Procurement (GPP) obligations from the Buying Greener strategy 2024-2027. It mandates updated GPP instructions for government departments and public sector, with compulsory reporting to monitor progress. Irish suppliers must now prioritise green criteria in bids across sectors, while buyers integrate GPP into all procurements for circular economy goals.

Department of Public Expenditure Press Release Detected 2026-04-09 Affects all sectors