Mr. Niall Goodwin:

That is a concern. I agree with Ms Uí Bhroin's point that it would have been much better had this been done before. We all agree on that. The maritime area consents give the opportunity and the possibility for a developer to be able to conduct all the relevant surveys and activities needed to make sure the project is feasible and to progress with the planning application. Included in that with the MAC, which has been done up to now, even after they have been given licences to do so, are two years minimum of seaward surveys, a minimum of two years maritime mammal and reptile surveys, and many other surveys that need to be done. This is a very comprehensive and extensive process that needs to be done which will feed into a planning application which will then be adjudicated upon with all the relevant environmental impact assessments done. We would consider that what is being done in the maritime area consent areas for the phase 1 projects is making sure no stones are left unturned and every single possible mitigation and assessment is being put in place. We believe that is the cover there and that the planning system will grant it if all of that has been done properly and appropriately.