AQO 3392/22-27


Mrs Michelle Guy
Alliance Party
Lagan Valley


Tabled Date: 19/03/2026
Answered On Date: 13/04/2026
Priority Written: No


Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline the work she is undertaking to increase investment in rural roads, given the condition of many roads and the impact on road safety, damage to vehicles and rural connectivity.


Answer:
I recognise the importance of maintaining and improving the condition of our road network, particularly in rural areas, given the impact on road safety, vehicle damage and connectivity.
As part of my commitment to the maintenance of rural roads, an initial £5 million was allocated to the Roads Recovery Fund, which principally targets rural roads. As part of the December monitoring round, I was able to increase this the funding to the Roads Recovery Fund up to a total of £9 million pounds to deliver real benefits across the rural network.
Further to this funding, a public consultation has now concluded on my draft Road Maintenance Strategy, which seeks to improve the overall condition of the road network and enhance safety and quality, as a means of improving resilience. The Strategy proposes a targeted programme of intelligent maintenance investment, supported by a more sustainable maintenance regime.
My officials are currently considering the consultation responses in detail, and I intend to finalise the Road Maintenance Strategy as soon as possible following publication of the consultation report.
I have also committed £1.3 million to the provision of a groundbreaking, full digital survey of the North’s entire road network. This will provide a level of detailed, consistent data that will support more efficient, evidencebased decisions on maintenance interventions.
The information from this digital stocktake will assist officials in taking a more targeted approach to routine maintenance activities, such as patching, helping to ensure the best possible use of limited resources across the network.
These measures are designed to maximise the benefits of every pound invested in road maintenance, including on rural roads.
However, I have been clear that these initiatives alone cannot address the consequences of many years of underinvestment. I will therefore continue to work with Executive colleagues to secure appropriate levels of funding to improve the quality of our roads and to support delivery of the priorities set out in the Programme for Government.
In addition, I have invested heavily through the Roads Recovery Fund, a significant proportion of which is focused on addressing conditions on rural roads and supporting local connectivity.