Mr. Michael Nolan:

At present, we are not considering this scheme as a toll or PPP scheme. It is not on our radar. That would be a matter for Government policy, so we are not getting involved in that conversation. It is probably too early in the process even to consider those aspects. First, there must be an approved scheme and, before those considerations are made, there are decisions on whether to use the traditional procurement model, which is design and build with direct Exchequer funding, or if the State at that point, five years hence, decides that it might be a candidate for hard tolling. However, we have not had a hard tolling scheme for many years. Our last five schemes are design, build, finance and operate. Basically, we pay the contractor or the concessionaire a fee for operating, pay back down debt and minding the road for a fixed period of time, such as 25 to 30 years. The model for the last number of years has been away from the public paying a cash toll. It is a matter for the Government.