Mr. Tim Cowhig:

What happens if there is a policy change? We are developers and that is the business in which we operate. All we can do is monitor developments in the market and the signals the market is giving and work on that basis. If signals change in the middle of a process, our investors will lose the money invested in the project.

On option agreements outside the county development plans, most of our option agreements are in areas designated in county development plans. Those which have been signed outside county development plans are being assessed, as Mr. O'Donovan noted. If it is found that the options are not suitable to be included in the planning process or if they proceed through the planning process and planning permission is not granted for them, they will lapse at the end of the relevant period. There is no other reason for and no ulterior motive behind our signing up to these option agreements.

On the subsidy for the export project, as we are seeking a long-term project in the United Kingdom, the UK energy consumer would underwrite the long-term off-take agreement for this project. I confirm that there is no cost to Irish taxpayers for the export project.