Small business urged to apply for €300,000 a year Laois landmark tearooms contract

The Office of Public Works is looking for someone to run its tearooms and cafe at the picturesque Emo Court and Parklands.  

According to the tender documents, the two year contract could be worth an estimated €300,000 a year- although the sum isn’t guaranteed- and there is scope to extend the contract out to four years. 

The OPW is the tendering authority and they are keen to encourage Small and Medium Enterprises(SMEs) to apply for the contract 

“The Tearooms will be fitted out and ready for use by the Successful Tenderer on the Effective Date of  the Contract,” the OPW stated. 

Visitors can round off a trip to Emo Parklands with a relaxing visit to the Emo Court Tearooms in the historic Dower House and sample some of the refreshments on offer, the OPW said. 

“We expect quality produce, with dishes representing Irish food culture, which are prepared using local Irish ingredients and/or using traditional or artisan methods with a commitment to the use of seasonal foods that are freshly produced as close to source as possible. We expect all aspects of a visit to an OPW Heritage Site, including the Tearooms and café, to showcase the best of Ireland for our domestic and international visitors. The food and beverage offering plays a key role in the presentation of our national heritage,” the OPW stated. 

The tearooms will open all year round with shorter opening times during the winter months. 

Whoever secures the contract is also advised to expect larges groups of visitors, particularly during the summer months and on bank holiday weekends. 

The deadline for hopeful operators to submit their tenders is noon on June 21, 2024.

Details of the tender can be found on the Etenders website.