AQW 10208/17-22

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 13/11/2020
Answered On Date: 26/11/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will commission a report into the provision and review of footpaths (i) around the Ards Peninsula; (ii) the Ballyhalbert Shore Road; and (iii) the footpath from Newtownards to Teal Rocks, Portaferry Road.

Answer:

All requests for improvements to the road network, including the provision of a footway schemes or upgrading works, are assessed in line with my Department’s current policies and guidance and all works are subject to prioritisation, with all viable proposals competing for the limited funding available.

While I can appreciate why you have asked about my Department commissioning a report into the provision and review of footways at individual locations such as Ards Peninsula, it would not, given the Department’s financial position, be the most effective use of limited resources. However if there are specific locations within the Ards Peninsula where you feel that a footway is merited then these should be brought to the attention of my officials so that they can be considered and assessed.

In relation to the previous request for a footway on Shore Road Ballyhalbert, my officials will update the feasibility study and costings to determine whether a scheme can be undertaken and included within a future works programme.

The request for the provision of a footway at Teal Rocks has previously been assessed by my officials but it did not rank as highly as other schemes in Southern Division. I have however asked that officials keep this request under review.