Infrastructure Minister 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."
