To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for his assessment of whether the road repairs carried out by a utility provider on the A2 Road from Trooperslane to Hazelbank roundabout are of a sufficient standard.

Reinstatements made by utility companies have to meet the required Northern Ireland Road Authority and Utilities Committee (NIRAUC) Specification for the Reinstatement of Openings in Roads.

My officials have carried out various inspections during the works, which has already led to remedial works being undertaken by the utility company. Further inspections will be carried out jointly with departmental officials and the utility company, and the findings of the independent report you previously provided will also be raised, ensuring that works are carried out safely and to the appropriate standards.

Utility works are also subject to additional inspection regimes on completion of the works, along with routine road inspections, which will ensure that any defective work can be passed onto the utility company for rectification during the appropriate warranty period.