To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail his Department’s plans for upgrading the road network in South Antrim in the next five years.

Upgrades to the road network are delivered through my Department’s Structural Maintenance Programme, the Local Transport and Safety Measures Programme, and the Active Travel Programme. My Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years due to underfunding and austerity by the British Government. Available investment has not kept pace with the demand for upgrades to the network and consequently all potential schemes are assessed and prioritised, with only the highest priority considered for inclusion in the works programmes, the extent of which will depend on budget allocations.

Work is currently ongoing to develop my Department’s capital work programmes for 2024/25. My Department is finalising its funding allocations, following confirmation of the 2024/25 budget settlement. Details of the planned works programmes will then be completed and included within the Department’s Annual Report to the local councils. The value of our infrastructure cannot be overstated, and I will continue to work with Executive colleagues to ensure appropriate investment is made.