AQW 23277/22-27

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 25/02/2025
Answered On Date: 12/03/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department has any plans to implement strategies to mitigate wildlife roadkill incidents, particularly in known high-risk areas.

Answer:

While my Department can erect signs to warn drivers of the presence of animals on the road to reduce the risk of impact, there is no plan to develop specific strategies for high risk areas as suggested.

You will be interested to know that my Department is currently working with the lead road authorities in England, Scotland and Wales on the development of standards aimed at protecting animals and wildlife. This work will update the provisions in the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB), specifically LD 121 ‘Design of wildlife connectivity structures’, which is used in the design of wildlife crossing structures where a connectivity need has been identified.