Ireland | Minister Kimmins updates the Assembly on her new Road Maintenance Strategy

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has updated the Assembly on the development of her new Road Maintenance Strategy, which will be published in the coming weeks.

Minister Kimmins said: 

“Investing in the maintenance of roads is critical to the movement of people, and the growth of our economy so I fully understand the frustration when our roads are not at the quality we would all like them to be. 

 “My Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years due to underfunding and austerity by the British Government. Long-term underinvestment of our roads is impacting on its integrity leading to a steady deterioration, particularly in rural roads.

“This is not what the public, I nor my Department, wants to see. But I am committed to doing more to improve the condition of our road network.“My Department is currently developing a new Road Maintenance Strategy.

This will focus on delivering higher-quality repairs, instead of spreading resources too thinly, ensuring better value for money.  It will be data driven and supported by new technologies to address the problem in a meaningful and sustainable manner.

“I will continue to work vigorously alongside my Executive colleagues to secure the investment needed to maintain and improve the quality of our road network for the people of the North.”

“My Department is focused on delivering positive change for people, the economy, and the environment. The value of our infrastructure cannot be overstated."