Mr. Phelim O'Neill:

We have developed strategies to engage and consult at the very earliest stage, concept stage. We have been very conscious to develop these processes whereby we do not deploy information as a fait accompli. We try to garner information at the earliest stage to try to integrate what we can, and if we cannot integrate it, to explain the practical reasons for this. As Mr. Coleman has said, we have found that engagement with the local authorities, with the elected members in particular as local representatives, with all the schemes that we are working on have been an invaluable touch point. It is very difficult to get a really clear picture from all of the interest groups, but we find the elected members are a great way of getting that broad sectoral response.

Engagement has been a significant challenge with Covid. Ordinarily, we would be out in a town hall forum, but we have tried to deploy technology in that space. We have set up virtual rooms on websites, and we are using that as a consultation forum. We have also done flyer drops because we are conscious that technology is not for everyone and we are trying to take as broad a spectrum approach as possible. We have had positive responses to the consultation. As Mr. Coleman stated, there are many people who may have serious concerns, but we are taking them on board. We are trying to address them as best we can, and if we cannot address them, we try to explain to people why this is the case.