Foreword from the Director

Message from the Director of the Education Procurement Service and Head of Sourcing (Education)

I am pleased to introduce the Spring 2026 edition of the Education Procurement Service (EPS) newsletter—a snapshot of the work, progress, and collaboration that continue to shape our service and strengthen the wider education sector.

The first quarter of 2026 has been a period of meaningful development for EPS.

Most notably, we launched our new Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for Mechanical Services, an important milestone in enhancing flexibility, competition, and choice for our clients.

This solution was developed with the needs of schools, ETBs, higher education institutions, and education agencies firmly in mind, and I want to acknowledge the team for their expertise and commitment in bringing it to life.

This edition also highlights our role in Ireland’s digital transformation journey. The Government’s Digital Public Services Plan 2030 sets an ambitious path forward—one that aligns closely with EPS’s own mission to deliver accessible, efficient, and future‑ready procurement solutions. As public services are reshaped around key life events and supported by strong digital infrastructure, EPS remains committed to ensuring the education sector can engage confidently with this evolving landscape.

Our Staff Spotlight on Louise Mangan offers a well‑deserved look at the people behind EPS’s operational success—those whose consistency and professionalism ensure we continue to deliver a trusted national service.

The recent formation of Asiera—bringing together HEAnet and EduCampus—represents another significant step forward for the sector. EPS welcomes this development and looks forward to continued partnership as we collectively support more connected, resilient, and innovative education environments.

Finally, we are preparing for our attendance in ProcureX Ireland 2026—a valuable opportunity to engage with colleagues across the public sector, exchange insights, and continue driving best practice in education procurement.

As always, I would like to thank our stakeholders for their collaboration and ongoing support.

Together, we continue to strengthen procurement capability and deliver real value to Ireland’s education community.

I hope you enjoy this edition and the stories it brings together.

Philip Gurnett
Director, Education Procurement Service
Head of Sourcing Education