What plans did the Republic have?

BEING that the Irish border is such a contentious issue, why should we not asked the Republic of Ireland government what their policy was regarding the border, when they agreed to the referendums of 2001 which resulted in a out majority. And again in 2002 when they were forced to hold a second referendum.

There must have been some structured plans in place for discussion with the UK at that time. That could be the starting point towards finding a resolution to the current impasse.