To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what proposals he will bring forward to address the impact of potholes, specifically on cyclists.

My Department’s Resource budget, which is used to deliver day-to-day maintenance activities such as patching and grass cutting, has been under pressure for a number of years. In response, my Department has had to reduce its routine road maintenance activities to a limited service, which prioritises delivery of essential services for maintaining public safety and protecting the transport network. Consequently, only the highest priority defects across the network are currently being repaired.

The level of repairs that can be carried out in future financial years will depend on the 2024-25 final budget determination for my Department. Until such times as sufficient funding is made available, it will not be possible to change the current level of service. The importance of a well maintained road network cannot be understated but this requires investment. I will continue to seek the support of Executive colleagues to enable this to happen.