Irish Procurement Threshold Checker
Enter a contract value and type. We'll tell you whether the EU directives apply, which procedure is required, and where the notice must be published. Updated for the 2026 thresholds.
Works: construction. Supplies: physical goods. Services: consulting, IT, professional. Social services: Schedule 3, health, education, social care, certain legal services.
€
Use the total over the full contract duration including any renewal options. Aggregation rules apply.
- Procedure
- Publication
- Threshold for this contract
- Standstill period
2026 EU thresholds reference
| Contract type | Central government | Other authorities |
|---|---|---|
| Works | €5,382,000 | €5,382,000 |
| Supplies | €143,000 | €221,000 |
| Services | €143,000 | €221,000 |
| Social & other specific services | €750,000 | €750,000 |
Source: EU Directive 2014/24/EU thresholds, applicable from 1 January 2026. Reviewed every two years by the European Commission. All values exclusive of VAT. Below-EU national bands from OGP Circular 10/14.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the EU procurement thresholds for Ireland in 2026?
EU thresholds for 2026: works contracts €5,382,000; supply and service contracts for central government €143,000; supply and service contracts for other contracting authorities €221,000; social and other specific services €750,000. All values are exclusive of VAT.
What is the difference between central government and other contracting authorities?
Central government means government departments and offices listed in Annex I of the EU directive. Other contracting authorities (sometimes called sub-central) covers local authorities, the HSE, universities, semi-state bodies, and similar entities. The supply and services thresholds are higher for the second group (€221,000 vs €143,000).
What happens below the EU thresholds?
Irish national rules apply. Under €5,000: direct purchase. €5,000 to €25,000: at least three written quotes. €25,000 to the EU threshold: a competitive process is required, normally advertised on eTenders. These guidelines come from OGP Circular 10/14.
Can a contract be split into smaller lots to stay below a threshold?
No. Aggregation rules apply. The threshold is calculated against the total estimated value over the full contract duration including renewals. Artificially splitting a contract to avoid EU procedures is explicitly prohibited under the EU directives. Lots are allowed when used to encourage SME participation, but the overall value still determines which threshold applies.