Mr. Peter Walsh:

Yes, I can confirm that that is the case. The national development plan is very clear in the commitment given. Just over €7 million of taxpayers' money has already been expended on the project. We find ourselves in unusual circumstances with it. It is really a function of the lapse in time due to the unavailability of funding which is not common on projects. We do not typically pause or rethink, having received planning approval and where the local authority is anxious to proceed. In going through the planning process it would already have received the full endorsement of Transport Infrastructure Ireland. The review is the direct result of the concerns raised and brought to our attention by elected representatives and the Minister. That is the reason the review is under way. The issues raised have been heard. To be fair to Louth County Council, it had no wish to state, "No; thanks, we will review the project". Our obligation to build the right project is one we cannot ignore.