To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) where right-turn pockets are planned on the A24 Saintfield Road between Cairnshill and Carryduff; and (ii) the timescale for commencing this work.

My Department has completed an options study for the provision of a right turn pocket on the A24 Saintfield Road at its junction with Baronscourt Road, which resulted in preliminary design of two road layouts. However, given the signalisation of the A24 Saintfield Road junction with Manse Road, which provides a signalised right turn lane into Manse Road, from which Baronscourt development can be accessed, my officials have not progressed either option to the detailed design stage at this time. I have asked officials to keep this under review.

There are three proposed right turn pockets on the Saintfield Road between Cairnshill and Carryduff, at lands north of 360 Saintfield Road; at 366 Saintfield Road; and at the Knockbracken Road junction. Each one is associated with committed developments. As these are developer led requirements, my department is unable to comment on timescales.