To ask the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to AQW 23850/11-15, what health and safety assessments his Department have undertaken on the dangers posed by the possible detachment of flags and other materials from lamp posts and other street furniture.

My Department has assessed that the possible detachment of flags and other materials from lamp posts and other street furniture could potentially distract or injure road users. Fortunately, there have been no significant incidents of this nature to date.

A more significant safety concern, as referred to in my earlier answer to the Member’s previous question AQW 23850/11-15, comes from large banners attached to street lighting columns, due to the effect of wind loading on the structural stability of the column.

While it is not feasible for my Department to routinely carry out individual assessments of all unauthorised attachments, it does respond and take appropriate action on any unsafe attachments that it becomes aware of.