To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any measures he is putting in place to assist those who need to use their car in Belfast city centre, for example to collect their children from different locations, but are impacted by the current closure of Durham Street.

I acknowledge that traffic congestion in Belfast has been a significant concern for road users over the past number of months. There have been a number of factors which have contributed to this traffic congestion, including planned and emergency roadworks and also the impact and management of incidents and traffic collisions across the road network.

The roadworks that are ongoing throughout Belfast and elsewhere characterise change. The essential upgrading of our road, water, transportation and energy infrastructure is critical to the modernisation and progression of our economy, health, and education sectors, as are private industrial, commercial, retail and residential developments. On completion, these facilities often provide vital services to our citizens.

Roadworks are carefully planned and programmed to minimise their impact on road users as much as possible. However, given the scale and complexity of certain projects, some overlap is unavoidable and some congestion is inevitable.

Whilst I understand that traffic delays are frustrating, I would encourage travellers to avoid traffic congestion by considering other sustainable and active modes of travel where possible such as public transport, using the park and ride sites or by walking or cycling. Encouraging use of alternative modes to access the city centre will help alleviate some congestion for those who essentially need to travel by private car.

You will also be aware of my recent announcement to pause non-essential roadworks on key routes into Belfast in the run up to Christmas, commencing on Monday 25th November.