Members of the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council received
an update from the Department for Infrastructure regarding road
maintenance and improvement works for the years 2024/25 and
2025/26.
During a meeting on Monday, 24 November, Divisional Roads Manager
Alan Keys addressed the council, stating:
“The Department's Final 2025-26 Resource Budget is £637.1m,
representing an increase of £77.6m from the 2024-25 opening
budget. The Department has been historically underfunded for many
years, so this is a welcome increase in the Departments resource
budget allocation. However, this does not fully meet the
requirements of the Department and therefore decisions on
prioritising the budget have been made. The Department's Final
2025-26 Capital Budget is £917m, representing an increase of
£63.4m from the 2024-25 opening budget. This recognises the
importance infrastructure plays to everyday lives, contributing
to addressing regional imbalance and delivering positive change
for all as we invest for future generations. The opening capital
budget for structural maintenance stands at £68 million which
falls significantly short of our funding requirements. This will
allow the delivery of our highest priority resurfacing projects,
roadside stability, and drainage projects. The Department has
operated within a constrained resource budget for many years and
to help address historic underfunding additional funding has been
allocated to essential maintenance and enhancing signs and lining
and builds upon the existing level of service.”
Mr Keys acknowledged the challenges posed by the 2025-26 budget
but reaffirmed the Department's commitment to delivering local
transport improvements, safety schemes, and maintenance
initiatives that boost road safety.
Mr Keys continued:
“Last year, we completed key resurfacing works on the A6 at
Kilmakee Roundabout, Templepatrick, B39 Seven Mile Straight,
Muckamore, B52 Portgelone Road and B53 Craigstown Road,
Randalstown, B56 Ballyrobert Road, Ballyclare and B523 O'Neill
Roundabout, Glengormley.”
Continuing Mr Keys said:
“Looking ahead to 2025/26, resurfacing schemes include the A6
Antrim Road, Templepatrick, the B94 Hillhead Road, Ballyclare and
B95 Doagh Road, Ballyclare.
"Active Travel schemes continue to progress, with a new shared
path provided along Shore Road and Moneynick Road, Toome linking
the GAA club and the local primary school, including a new Toucan
crossing at the school. Meanwhile design work is ongoing for
future active travel provision at Glenavy Rd, Crumlin and Stiles
Way and Steeple Road, Antrim.
"In our ongoing commitment to road safety, the Department is
extending part-time 20mph zones to another 40 schools in 2025,
bringing the total number implemented since 2020/21 to 273. I'm
pleased to confirm that four of these new schemes are planned for
the Antrim and Newtownabbey area. This important initiative aims
to make journeys to and from school safer for children, parents,
and staff, and demonstrates our dedication to safer routes and
stronger communities across the region.”
In closing, Mr Keys said:
“These projects will deliver significant benefits to both the
local community and commuters in the Antrim and Newtownabbey
area.”
