Motion

Motion TitleTackling the Rise in Dangerous Potholes on our Roads

Motion TextThat this Assembly expresses concern at the increase in dangerous potholes following Storm Chandra and worsening winter surface conditions on our roads; is concerned with the increasing risk this poses to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians; believes the continued deterioration of the public road network has now reached a crisis point; notes with alarm that in 2025 an estimated 127,109 surface defects were recorded across Northern Ireland, including 97,897 potholes; condemns the long-standing and short-sighted Department for Infrastructure policy of only repairing the highest priority defects and, even then, doing only the minimum work necessary to remove any immediate safety risk; further believes the Minister for Infrastructure has failed to address the roads crisis; expresses disappointment that the new draft Road Maintenance Strategy lacks clear prioritisation and detailed, costed and time-bound actions to deliver measurable improvements; and, following the closure of the public consultation on the new draft Strategy, calls on the Minister for Infrastructure to urgently bring forward an updated Roads Maintenance Strategy and detailed action plan that addresses these concerns.

Motion CategoryPrivate Members' Motion

Date Tabled to Business Office03/02/2026

Date Selected By Committee03/02/2026

Date of Plenary Debate16/02/2026