To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what steps her Department is taking to protect coastal roads from rising sea levels and coastal erosion as a result of climate change.

My Department and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs commissioned a report entitled “Baseline Study and Gap Analysis of Coastal Erosion Risk Management NI”, in December 2018. The report identified those areas where it is considered that coastal erosion may pose a significant risk that needs to be managed, based on the potential impact to land, property and infrastructure.

We also have an established inspection regime for the public road network and enhanced arrangements for areas vulnerable to storm impacts. For example, the A2 Coast Road has a detailed ‘Coast Road Management Plan’ and we have carried out a study of road locations in the Ards and North Down area that were at risk from coastal erosion to identify and prioritise any remedial work. In addition, sea defences, which support the public road, are inspected annually and after significant storms. These inspections help to inform both the routine maintenance programme as well identifying the need for larger capital investment. I will continue to work collaboratively with the DAERA Minister and other parties to find sustainable solutions for coastal communities.