Mr. John Fitzgerald:

It is a matter for the decision maker to make his or her own views. The decision makers, by and large, will engage their own ecological expertise when they are making a decision in complex cases.

Deputy Grealish asked about legal challenge. That is something we would have a concern about. First, Ireland could find itself in the dock with the European Commission, but, indeed, the project itself, the N59, could find itself in difficulties. Just after An Bord Pleanála made its decision on the N59 in December 2013, we understand there were two complaints to the Commission, one of which was by Friends of the Irish Environment. The Commission raised its own concerns about the N59. People are very aware of this and as we know, there are people who have particular interests in various ecological issues and could at any time raise a challenge, whether seeking court injunction or whatever. What would be important for us is that we are sure we are proceeding down the right route so that once we get going nothing will stop.