Dutch design and engineering consultancy Arcadis and US consulting group Tetra Tech have been appointed to a five-year Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) framework for rail infrastructure projects with an estimated value of up to £519 million (€600 million). The joint venture is one of five suppliers selected, giving it access to advisory and design work across all stages of the project lifecycle, including support for the All Island Strategic Rail Review.

Arcadis is headquartered in Amsterdam and reported net revenues of €3,760 million and EBITA of €341 million for 2025. Tetra Tech is headquartered in Pasadena, California, and reported revenue of $5.4 billion (approximately €4.6 billion) for 2025.

The framework is the Multi-Party Framework for Project MDC PMP Phases 1-5. It runs for five years with the option of three one-year extensions, and its value is an estimated ceiling rather than a committed spend.

The structural driver is rail decarbonisation. The framework will support projects aimed at decarbonising transport, improving connectivity and accessibility, and building a more sustainable and integrated system, with electrification making rail a more attractive alternative to private car travel.

Arcadis and Tetra Tech, alongside supply chain partners including Idom, will provide design and engineering, environmental, advisory, programme management and project management services. The firms said they were selected after an evaluation that highlighted the joint venture’s expertise, local knowledge and track record in delivering complex rail programmes.

Robin Miedzybrodzki, Arcadis business director for rail in Scotland and Ireland, said, “This appointment is a significant milestone for our team and partners, and we are proud to support Iarnród Éireann’s vision for a more connected, sustainable and high-performing rail network. The framework provides an exciting opportunity to contribute to projects that will benefit communities across Ireland and help shape the future of transport on the island.”

The wider programme is intended to help transform Ireland’s rail network by providing faster, more reliable and accessible services.

For the sector, the appointment shows international consultancies lining up with local supply chain partners for a multi-year pipeline of Irish rail design and delivery work.

Source: New Civil Engineer / Arcadis / Wikipedia