Teagasc has advertised seeking a partner to assist it delivering a GLAS planning service to its clients. It has placed an invitation for tenders to this effect on the Government’s tendering website.

It says that the partner will provide and manage delivery of the service to Teagasc clients by preparing plans and associated records.

“Teagasc anticipates that some 15,000 clients nationwide will require this service,” it says. “This service will be provided to clients in conjunction with other Teagasc-provided services in a seamless manner.”

The initial arrangement is expected to run for the lifetime of GLAS – between five and seven years, starting in 2015. Teagasc may consider working with the partner on delivery of other similar work, were it to arise, during the term of the agreement.

Teagasc will provide applicant information, a role in quality assurance and, if required, use of office facilities.

The selected partner must be in a position to provide suitably qualified planners who meet the approval of the Department of Agriculture, as well as administrative resources as required.

The tender invitation, which has a reply deadline of 19 September, will be of interest to a number of organisations. Yesterday, Tom Dawson, president of the Agricultural Consultants Association, said that his organisation would consider the invitation and may or may not submit a tender.

Separately, a number of the larger farm consultancy firms are likely to consider tendering, either alone or jointly. Other organisations likely to consider it are SouthWestern, which provides agri-related services to a number of organisations, and Farm Relief Services.

The IFA in recent weeks examined whether it should become involved in providing a GLAS service to members. This arose after Teagasc – which IFA wants to maintain its role in planning – stated that it did not have the staff numbers to do the work and was restricted from hiring additional planners.

There are concerns in IFA that GLAS plans could be a significant cost for applicants if Teagasc does not continue to be involved. The organisation this week decided not to pursue the idea and to press instead for Teagasc to recommit to this role.

In a statement, the IFA said that being the State advisory service, Teagasc had a responsibility to stay centrally involved in this service to farmers. IFA’s representative on the board, deputy president Tim O’Leary, made clear at the most recent Teagasc board meeting that farmers will hold Teagasc responsible for providing a comprehensive and nationwide GLAS planning service, it said.

“This service has been self-financing in the past, and the Minister will have to intervene if necessary to ensure the extra personnel resources are made available to Teagasc.”

The tender invitation is on www.etenders.gov.ie.