AQW 25764/17-22

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 15/11/2021
Answered On Date: 24/11/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) whether local councils are responsible for sweeping roads; and (ii) if so, what action she has taken to ensure they are aware of this legal responsibility and the repercussions for failing to maintain cleanliness of roads, particularly in rural areas.

Answer:

I understand that, under the terms of the Litter (Northern Ireland) Order 1994 and the Clean Neighbour Act 2011, Councils are responsible for collection of waste and litter in the borough, including street sweeping. This includes the provision of safe systems of work, including appropriate temporary traffic management for council workers such as those sweeping and picking litter.

A lack of street cleansing allows a build-up of detritus on footways and cycle ways, which may deter usage. A build-up of detritus along the channel line of a road, especially on kerbed rural roads, reduces the performance of the drainage system, and can also increase the risk of ice forming in winter conditions. It also promotes weed growth along kerb lines.

While my Department would encourage Councils to undertake the necessary work it is not for me to advise Councils of their statutory obligations. My Department does however take every opportunity to inform the Council of instances when suitable temporary traffic management is being used on the road which might assist Council in the carrying out of their sweeping duties.