AQW 37913/22-27

Miss Nuala McAllister
Alliance Party
North Belfast

Tabled Date: 09/01/2026
Answered On Date: 26/01/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail her Department's policy for the adoption of new and any unadopted roads.

Answer:

Road adoption by my Department is governed by The Private Streets (NI) Order 1980 (The Order) and roads, including those within private developments, will only be considered for adoption if brought to standard through the Private Streets Determination process or by owners/frontages in accordance with Article 9 of the Order.

On 25 September 2025 I announced the introduction of new Private Streets Enforcement Guidance for staff. This guidance will greatly reduce the risk of developments, constructed from January 2024, remaining unadopted.

My officials continue to monitor the progress of all housing developments and engage with developers to ensure timely adoption through the normal Private Streets process.