A proactive response is being taken to address the pressures arising from the increased cost of the programme. The NRA has strengthened its arrangements for cost estimation and control as an integral part of the strengthening of project management and monitoring arrangements, including appointment of a cost estimation specialist who reviews all cost estimates, benchmarking tender and scheme outturn costs and greater use of design and build lump sum contracts offering cost efficiencies, greater certainty of outturn costs and reduced scope for claims.