Public Procurement Thresholds in Ireland 2025: Essential Guide for Suppliers

Understanding procurement thresholds is fundamental for suppliers engaging with public contracts in Ireland. Thresholds determine which rules apply to a procurement process—ranging from national guidelines to full EU procurement procedures. This article outlines the public procurement thresholds applicable in Ireland in 2025, including national and EU levels, and highlights what suppliers need to know to remain compliant and competitive.

Why Thresholds Matter

Public procurement thresholds define the value limits above which contracting authorities must follow formal procurement procedures. These thresholds affect:

• Advertising requirements
• Applicable procurement procedures
• Publication platforms (e.g. eTenders, OJEU/TED)
• Legal obligations for buyers and suppliers

For suppliers, thresholds determine how visible and competitive a tendering opportunity is likely to be.

EU Public Procurement Thresholds (2025)

As of 1 January 2024, the European Commission revised the financial thresholds for public procurement across the EU. These apply to Irish contracting authorities under the European Union (Award of Public Authority Contracts) Regulations 2016.

The main EU thresholds (exclusive of VAT) for 2025 are:

Contract Type	Central Government Bodies	Sub-central Authorities
Supplies and Services	€143,000	€221,000
Works	€5,538,000	€5,538,000
Social and Other Specific Services	€750,000	€750,000

Note: Thresholds are reviewed biennially. Current rates apply until at least 31 December 2025, unless revised earlier by the European Commission.

National Thresholds in Ireland (2025)

Below the EU thresholds, national rules—outlined in the Office of Government Procurement’s Public Procurement Guidelines – Competitive Process (2023)—apply.

Key national thresholds (exclusive of VAT):

• Supplies and Services (general):
  • < €5,000 – Direct purchase recommended.
  • €5,000–€25,000 – Seek written quotes (typically 3).
  • €25,000–EU Threshold – Advertise on eTenders.
• Works:
  • < €50,000 – Direct invitation or informal process.
  • €50,000–EU Threshold – Must be advertised on eTenders.

Public bodies are encouraged to ensure transparency and value for money even below thresholds.

Implications for Suppliers

Suppliers should monitor thresholds closely for several reasons:

• Visibility: Contracts above national thresholds are publicly advertised—enhancing accessibility for SMEs and new entrants.
• Compliance: Misunderstanding threshold limits may result in non-compliant bids or lost opportunities.
• Bid Strategy: Understanding whether a tender is national or EU-level helps suppliers assess likely competition, timelines, and documentation requirements.

It is essential for suppliers to be registered on eTenders.gov.ie and to regularly check for opportunities falling within relevant thresholds.

Conclusion
Public procurement thresholds are a cornerstone of Ireland’s procurement framework. For suppliers, knowing where the lines are drawn between direct awards, national tenders, and EU-regulated procedures is critical to targeting and preparing successful bids.

We still recommend checking eTenders.gov.ie and the work of the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) for a more accurate and up to date information about this topic.

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