Mr. Michael McDermott:

There are two aspects to this process. First, there is a need to get the Natura impact statement done. There are only a certain number of consultants in the country who will do this and the issue is to get one who will undertake it and the timeline in this regard. Second, once that report is done, the scheme must be submitted for planning permission, which brings into play the statutory timelines for the planning application process. That would probably have added on six months to the process, because, at a minimum, this includes the time required to get the Natura impact statement done and completed and to get all the other requirements needed for the planning permission application process and then get it submitted. In fairness to the planning department of Mayo County Council, that application went through in the normal time of the two months. It could, however, have been prolonged, but any requests for further information were dealt with expediently and that process happened in two months.