Mr. Barry Aughey:

We have the ability to deliver this. The private sector is interested and keen to get involved. That includes investors from New York and London. They would form a syndicate so this would be a syndicate bond issue. The cost of funding is low. It is the lowest that it has been for a long time. There is a genuine opportunity that I fear may be missed if action is not taken quickly. The cost that we are talking about compared with the cost of the bailout, of Covid, or other such costs that we have endured in the last ten years, is not that great and the benefits are far greater. The opportunity will enhance the island.

I mentioned earlier that Brexit creates opportunity. Northern Ireland is in a position where it can trade with both the UK and the European Union. There is opportunity that can be built on. That in turn can help this island to be a Singapore of Europe. It needs vision, commitment, strength and conviction by leaders who are prepared to stand up, be counted, and say that they are prepared to get involved and take a risk alongside others. The project will do much more than just be a high-speed rail project. It will create much more opportunity for the island and the people of Ireland.

If this committee could do one thing, that would be to persuade parties and Members in government to do all that they can to commit, reach out, and connect with me to try to deliver this. This presentation would then be of value.