To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the (i) consultation; and (ii) communication his Department has undertaken with local residents in relation to the road closures to enable works to the Groomsport Road roundabout.

The Groomsport Road roundabout scheme commenced on 19 February 2024 and was substantially complete by 19 April 2024 with only the final surfacing to be completed over two consecutive weekends in May.

Formal public consultation is not required when carrying out resurfacing and other relatively minor road maintenance activities, however discussions are held with external stakeholders such as the PSNI and directly adjacent property owners as required.

In the case of the Groomsport Roundabout scheme, careful planning and consideration was given to the delivery of this scheme to help minimise traffic disruption and details of the closures were communicated to the public via Variable Message and Black on Yellow advisory signs, strategically placed at all approaches to the works. Details were also posted on my Department’s TrafficWatchNI website. During the works traffic ‘Marshalls’ were provided by the contractor to help minimise disruption.

In advance of the scheme commencing, a press release was also published providing general information to the public.