To ask the Minister for Regional Development to detail any road surfacing projects which have been identified for the Carrickfergus Borough Council area over the next three years.

My Department’s Roads Service presented its Spring Report to Carrickfergus Borough Council on 12 May 2011. The report included details of programmes for both footway reconstruction and carriageway resurfacing schemes.

This report can be accessed from my Department’s internet site at the following web address:

http://www.drdni.gov.uk/index/freedom_of_information/customer_information/cinformationtyperesults.htm?signpost=Customer+information&informationType=Roads+Service+reports+to+councils

Northern Ireland Water (NIW) subsequently published proposals for extensive water main renewal across the Borough and this has, unfortunately, necessitated the deferral of the proposed carriageway resurfacing at the A2 Larne Road.

Roads Service plans to present its Autumn Progress Report to Carrickfergus Borough Council on 14 November 2011. As well as providing an update on the progress of schemes, the report will set out details of any changes to the works programmes.

Due to uncertainty surrounding NIW’s proposals and future funding levels, it is difficult to prepare a meaningful three year programme at the present time. However, Roads Service will endeavour to develop an indicative three year programme and this will be presented to Carrickfergus Borough Council in due course.