Framework Agreement for the Provision of Inspector Services [544A]

Section 47 of the 1999 Act, which refers to section 45 of the Electricity Supply Act 1927, gives the Contracting Authority legal powers to decide to grant or refuse to grant a special order on the application of ESB, or of a holder of an authorisation to construct or reconstruct a generating station for the purpose of supply to final customers, or to construct an interconnector, or of a person who has applied for such an authorisation, in certain circumstances. Section 45 of the Electricity Supply Act sets out the legal basis for the compulsory acquisition of any land, easement, or other right over land, or to acquire or use compulsorily any right over land by special order.

Section 45 also establishes a procedure for exercising that compulsory acquisition power. In considering whether or not to grant a special order the Contracting Authority may hold a public inquiry.

ie. The Contracting Authority expects that one or more applications for a special order may be received and is seeking (by this Competition) to appoint a framework of Inspectors.

The Contracting Authority is seeking an Inspector to review, chair a public inquiry (if required), prepare a written reasoned report, assess the relevant information and make a recommendation to the Commissioners on an application for a special order(s). The Contracting Authority is proposing that a panel of Inspectors be procured.

The Inspector will work closely with a secretariat, who will provide all administrative, logistical, technical and environmental supports, where required, to complete the review. The Contracting Authority will separately appoint a service provider to provide Secretariat services to support the Contracting Authority and any appointed Inspector.