AQW 50104/22-27 Written question to the Minister for Infrastructure

To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any assessment that has been made of the vulnerability of Northern Ireland’s (i) road; (ii) rail; and (iii) public transport, infrastructure to extreme heat.

Asked by John Blair MLA on 1 July 2026

  • Answered
  • Written
  • After due date
Tabled
1 July 2026
Answer due by
20 July 2026
Answered
22 July 202621 days after tabling
Department
Department for Infrastructure
Priority question
No

Answer

My Department has not undertaken a standalone assessment of the vulnerability of the road, rail and public transport infrastructure to extreme heat. However, the Department and transport operators routinely monitor and manage heat-related risks as part of ongoing asset management, maintenance and operational planning activities.

During the recent period of warmer temperatures, Roads officials experienced a small number of isolated cases of surface bleeding, which were addressed promptly with minimal disruption to road users. Translink also monitors weather conditions and rail temperatures and, where necessary, implements operational measures, including temporary speed restrictions, to protect infrastructure and maintain services.

Official sources