AQW 10296/22-27

Ms Connie Egan
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 17/04/2024
Answered On Date: 02/05/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether his Department will resurface the A2 road between Donaghadee and Millisle.

Revised Answer:

Resurfacing schemes are funded through my Department’s Structural Maintenance Programme. Regrettably, for some time the available investment has not kept pace with what is needed to maintain all our roads in a reasonable condition.

While there are many roads that would benefit from investment, due to limited budget resources, resurfacing work is taken forward through the prioritisation of those deemed most in need for intervention. I am very aware of the long-term underfunding from which our road network has suffered.

The programme for the 2024-25 financial year will be developed and published once future budgets have been agreed. In the meantime, officials in my Department will continue to undertake regular inspections and repair defects in accordance with the Department’s policy.

My Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years due to underfunding and austerity by the British Government. The value of our infrastructure cannot be overstated, and I will continue to work with Executive colleagues to ensure appropriate investment is made.