Mr. Colin Ryan:

To follow on from Mr. Hogan, what we have looked at with the pre-application stage, at 247A, is to iron out what could be very technical issues that could require further information, such as, traditionally, issues to do with capacity of water and drainage systems - that is not to underestimate the third-party issues - and get that element as removed as possible when the application is made.

With regard to the Senator's question on opinion, opinion is a very strong word because it is the opinion of the planning authority. It cannot give a decision because it has to make a decision on the planning application, but it can give a view or an opinion on what is a reasonable basis for the making of a planning application. Opinion is carefully worded in that regard and I take it that it is much stronger in practice than a random view.