To ask the Minister for Regional Development, given the delay in the reopening of the Jordanstown Road, what action his Department is taking to ensure that similar delays are avoided in the future.

My Department’s Roads Service has advised that the Jordanstown Road was programmed to re-open to traffic by 31 August 2011. Unfortunately, a utility company was unable to complete its service alterations to its agreed programme, which prevented Roads Service’s contractor from completing the road works. This issue has now been resolved, and the road was re-opened on Sunday 2 October.

My Department’s Roads Service has confirmed that a full and detailed Post Project Evaluation is completed after every scheme of this nature, in accordance with Roads Service policy. I can advise the Member that the evaluation of this scheme will include a review of the project management arrangements for service alterations by utility companies as part of improvements of this type, in order to identify potential improvements for future projects so that any risk of delays is minimised.

I am disappointed that the extension of this road closure caused considerable inconvenience, particularly to local schools and residents.