To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what actions he is taking to ensure that issues with understaffing in the (i) South Belfast DFI Roads Office; and (ii) Lisburn DFI Roads Office do not impact on road repairs.

My Department has been operating in a very difficult financial position due to years of underfunding as a result of years of Tory austerity and cuts this has been compounded by ongoing challenges in recruitment.

While my officials and maintenance teams have worked very hard to maintain the road network they have, nonetheless, been operating with a higher than acceptable vacancy rate and are under significant pressure. This is the situation across all of the roads section offices including the South Belfast and Lisburn areas. Whilst staff have been doing everything they can to manage this under-resourcing, it is inevitable that it will impact on my Department’s ability to carry out essential work such as road maintenance.

My Department is taking steps to deliver a programme of recruitment and training opportunities, particularly focused on those roles within the technical and operational areas of the organisation to deliver capacity and capability. This will include direct entrant competitions for recently qualified graduates, and apprenticeship opportunities to encourage pathways to a career in civil and infrastructure engineering. However, delivering the sustainable capacity and capability needed will take time, and it should be recognised that until additional capacity is built up, my officials will have to continue to prioritise that work which is most critical to maintaining road safety.