£30m boost for roads as Infrastructure Minister targets rural network with extra £4m

More than £30 million in additional funding has been allocated to improve roads across Northern Ireland, with £4 million specifically targeted at the rural road network, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced.

The new funding package, secured through the December Monitoring process, will support an expanded programme of road improvement works aimed at addressing longstanding maintenance challenges and improving safety for road users across both urban and rural areas.

The Department for Infrastructure confirmed the money will be used to deliver a wide range of measures, including resurfacing schemes, street lighting improvements, drainage works, upgraded road markings and the installation of new signs.

For many rural communities, where narrow roads, poor surfaces and limited lighting can affect daily travel, the additional £4 million ring-fenced for rural routes is expected to bring tangible benefits.

Farmers, delivery drivers, commuters and residents in more remote areas often rely on these roads as vital links to services, employment and local businesses.

Announcing the funding, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins emphasised the essential nature of the services provided by her Department and her commitment to improving road conditions despite ongoing budget pressures.

She said:

“My Department provides some of the most essential infrastructure services to our society. I welcome the additional funding provided to my Department through December Monitoring. And delivering on my commitment to do all I can to make our roads better, I have been able to reprioritise funding within my Department.”

Highlighting the particular needs of rural areas, the Minister added:

“In recognition of the importance of the rural road network, I am committing an additional £4m to target funding to rural roads.”

Road maintenance has been identified as a key priority under the Minister’s wider policy agenda. Improving road quality not only enhances safety but also plays a crucial role in supporting economic activity, particularly in rural areas where alternatives to road transport are limited.

Minister Kimmins linked the funding announcement to her longer-term strategy for roads maintenance, stating:

“Better Roads is one of my seven Foundations for the future, and I am delighted to make this announcement of additional funding following my recent launch of a transformative new approach to roads maintenance for consultation.”

She concluded by reaffirming her commitment to maximising the impact of available resources:

“I will continue to do everything I can with what I have to maintain and improve our road network, which is vital for connecting communities and businesses.”

The additional funding is expected to allow the Department for Infrastructure to bring forward further schemes over the coming months, with local communities set to see improvements as works are rolled out across the road network.