Over €1m to be spent on AV and outdoor seating for Garda ceremonies
The seating contract is worth an estimated €750,000, according to the tender documents, and will be for an initial period of one year,
An Garda Síochána is planning to spend more than €1 million hiring outdoor tiered seating, canopy structures, and audio-visual equipment for passing-out ceremonies and similar events at its training college in Tipperary.
It is currently seeking tenders for a €750,000 contract to provide seating for around 800 family members and friends of newly attested gardaí up to five times a year on the main square of the Garda College in Templemore.
It has also advertised a tender for audio-visual equipment hire and production services of events worth an estimated €400,000, which will facilitate the live streaming or broadcast of ceremonies at the college.
This includes the supply of 750W outdoor speaker rigs capable of delivering quality sound to crowds of around 2,000 people, as well as indoor AV facilities including projection screens and LED video walls.
The successful contractor will be expected to facilitate rapid emergency transitions from outdoor to indoor events within 30 minutes in the case of inclement weather, according to tender documents.
The tiered seating structure will include a viewing platform for up to 20 people with mobility issues or disabilities, while a fixed canopy will be incorporated to shield attendees from the elements, complete with removable side panels.
Rapid assembly and disassembly will be required, with two days allowed either side of the ceremonies for this purpose.
The seating contract is worth an estimated €750,000, according to the tender documents, and will be for an initial period of one year, with the option of two further 12-month extensions.
The contract for AV equipment hire and production services is worth €400,000 and is for an initial term of three years with options to extend for two additional 12-month periods.
“Following the completion of training, students are sworn into the organisation through a passing out ceremony on the College Main Square. Family members and friends are invited to observe the ceremony, which can take place up to five times a year,” the tender documents state.
“The tiered seating solution must be able to accommodate up to 800 people, including an integrated viewing platform for up to 20 individuals with mobility issues and disabilities, and also provide a fixed canopy solution”.
Installation of the seating and canopy can take place up to two days prior to the event, with the de-rig/removal of the seating and canopy to be carried out over the weekend or a date the following week agreed in advance.”