URGENT UPDATE: Northern Ireland’s Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins, has confirmed that the region’s roads are in a “dire condition” following the alarming recording of nearly 50,000 new defects in just the past three months. This surge accounts for almost half of the total defects logged throughout all of last year, highlighting a critical infrastructure crisis.
In a statement released earlier today, Kimmins attributed this spike in road damage to unprecedented rainfall levels and chronic under-investment in road maintenance. “Our roads network has reached crisis point,” she declared, emphasizing the urgent need for action.
The Minister’s comments come after a recent motion by Stephen Dunne, a DUP MLA, which warned of a worsening “pothole pandemic” affecting all constituencies. Dunne noted that over 127,000 surface defects, including almost 98,000 potholes, were recorded in 2025 alone, exacerbating the existing backlog that has ballooned to approximately £3 billion.
Kimmins has recently announced a £7.85 million winter recovery program aimed at addressing these urgent road issues, alongside 40 resurfacing schemes introduced in December. Despite these efforts, the Minister acknowledged that long-term solutions are necessary. “We have had years of under-investment and austerity, which has hindered our ability to manage these issues effectively,” Kimmins stated.
As the situation deteriorates, urgent questions arise about road safety and the implications for motorists and cyclists. Dunne expressed concern that “the longer we delay decisive action, the more dangerous and expensive this crisis will become.” He emphasized that the public deserves “safe, resilient roads that are fit for purpose.”
According to Kimmins, her department is developing a new road maintenance strategy designed to create a more resilient road network, but immediate action is critical. “We are constantly dealing with that backlog, and it feels as though we are always reacting rather than planning ahead,” she explained. “Funding must be utilized efficiently to make a substantial impact.”
Recently secured funding is expected to expedite several ongoing projects, with work already underway on numerous schemes. However, Kimmins noted the challenges in balancing financial constraints with the pressing need for repairs, stating, “We must take into account staff capacity and contractor availability to deal with the influx of reports.”
The urgency of the situation is palpable, as both residents and officials call for comprehensive and long-lasting repairs rather than temporary fixes. Dunne criticized the current approach, arguing that sticking plaster solutions are insufficient for the systemic failures apparent across the road network.
In response to these dire conditions, Kimmins has vowed to continue advocating for increased investment in road maintenance and safety. As the weather worsens and the season of heavy rain approaches, the pressure is mounting for quick, effective action to restore Northern Ireland’s roads to a safe condition.
As developments unfold, stakeholders urge the public to remain vigilant and report any hazardous road conditions. The ongoing situation serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of infrastructure maintenance in ensuring public safety.
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