Mr. Jim Meade:

The Deputy is coming at it from a view that is relevant for the long-term development of all public transport, not just rail. The lesson from the crash that is important to take forward is not to stop the pipeline and the investment in planning. The issue for us is there was not a pipeline of projects when we decided to do this. The real benefit will come if we create that pipeline. If we cannot see the full funding profile in front of us, we could at least have a pipeline of projects. They could include projects to DART+, install four tracks north of Connolly to Malahide to create capacity and have a 90-minute journey time to Belfast, and have double-tracking on a single-track network to improve frequency or freight activity. Those projects would be mapped out, properly designed and taking through the planning process. We spoke earlier about how the planning process is elongated, but we recognise the Attorney General is looking at that. If we can make that process more efficient, that will contribute to ensuring the pipeline continues. That was the missing link for us.