Mr. Michael Nolan:

The average cost is between €7 million and €10 million. It is a lot of money but in the context of major schemes, there is little waste in going through the planning process. They have a high impact because of high positive benefits. They are of low cost in the context of the overall things we do in the major schemes. They are lower-cost but high-value and have high benefits. They are well-received.

We are slowly taking off with the programme of works. After the downturn there was a serious drop in funding. We can switch on and off small schemes quickly. It is possible to get a scheme from inception through opening within a three to five-year period. For a major scheme, the period is between eight and 15 years. It is far easier for smaller schemes. We have a long list. We try to keep 50 of these schemes in planning and design all the time to have a preparation pool. We keep getting the compulsory purchase orders.