Mr. Michael Nolan:

The timescale we are looking at is that the consultants would commence work in December and January. They are being procured at this stage. I would say it will take the best part of all next year to get the design and Part 8 through the local authority. The outcome of discussions with the landowners will determine whether we need to go to An Bord Pleanála. I do not believe there are any big environmental issues so I do not believe an environmental impact statement, EIS, is required. As the contract period for a scheme of that scale is 12 to 15 months, subject to a positive outcome regarding Part 8, planning approval, getting land, design and procurement, one is looking at two to two and a half years from now.