To ask the Minister for Infrastructure why Groomsport Road, Bangor, was not included for resurfacing in his Department's Annual Report 2022/23 to Ards and North Down Borough Council.

The asphalt resurfacing contract used by my Department within the Ards and North Down (A&ND) Council area expired in November 2021 and due to lack of contract, it was not possible to complete the proposed programme for 2021/22. A replacement contract is programmed to be awarded in early 2023. This situation limits the amount of resurfacing possible during the current financial year and this is reflected in the limited number of schemes included within the Council report.

In determining future programmes, my Department will consider factors including road usage, general surface condition and structural deformation. These factors will be considered when preparing the 2023/24 A&ND resurfacing programme and Groomsport Road will be considered for inclusion in the programme the extent of which will be influenced by budget availability and successful contract award.

Should you have any further questions on this please contact DfI Roads Southern Division at dfiroads.southern@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.