MLAs demand answers as rural North Antrim hit by heavy snow and grit shortages

Severe winter weather has placed intense pressure on road services across North Antrim, with local MLAs raising concerns over grit shortages, untreated roads and the Department for Infrastructure’s preparedness following heavy snowfall.

Large parts of rural North Antrim have been affected by snowfall of between six and eight inches over the past two days, leaving some roads difficult to access and heightening safety concerns for residents, commuters and emergency services.

TUV North Antrim MLA Timothy Gaston said the conditions had created significant challenges, particularly in rural areas where road access is vital for daily life.

“The last two days have been extremely challenging, with many areas of rural North Antrim experiencing snowfall of 6–8 inches,” he said.

Mr Gaston said the local TUV team had been working closely with both the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council as the situation developed. He highlighted serious concerns around salt availability at the Ballymena depot.

“It became clear this morning that salt supplies in the Ballymena Depot were a serious issue,” he said, speaking on Monday night (5 January 2026).

“This afternoon’s delivery was essential to allow the road network to be salted tonight and again in the morning.”

Due to the shortage, the council has been unable to replenish the self-help grit piles normally provided in rural villages, leaving communities without access to salt during some of the worst conditions.

“Due to these shortages, the Council has been unable to get salt from DfI to replenish the self-help grit piles they usually provide in the various rural villages,” Mr Gaston said.

Residents have been encouraged to formally report empty salt boxes to ensure they are logged for action. Requests can be submitted through the DfI portal at:

Report Here

“If your salt box is empty, please ensure it has been logged either online or via my office,” Mr Gaston added.

There is cautious optimism that supplies may improve in the coming days.

“We are hopeful of a breakthrough tomorrow, allowing the Council to obtain salt and begin replenishing the self-help piles at community centres,” he said.

Beyond official services, local farmers have played a critical role in keeping rural communities moving. Mr Gaston noted that many minor roads remained passable only because farmers used their own machinery to clear snow, enabling cars to travel where gritting had not taken place.

Looking ahead, he said he intends to raise the issue directly with the Infrastructure Minister.

“In the days ahead, I will be raising questions with the DfI Minister. While skelton teams worked hard to keep roads open, the scale of conditions meant services were ultimately overwhelmed.”

Concerns about winter road preparedness have also been raised on Tuesday morning (6 January 2026) by Ulster Unionist Party North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows, who has submitted a series of Assembly questions seeking urgent clarity on gritting operations and planning.

The move follows growing public concern after reports that some roads were left untreated despite freezing conditions, with questions also raised about whether staffing levels, overtime availability and grit supplies are sufficient to deal with prolonged winter weather.

Speaking after lodging the questions, Mr Burrows said the public deserve clear answers.

“Cold weather in winter is not a surprise. It’s something we should be planning for every single year,” he said.

“When people are waking up to icy roads and wondering whether their journey to work or school is safe, that’s not good enough. Public safety has to come first.”

He criticised what he described as a pattern of deflection when problems arise.

“Too often, when things go wrong, responsibility is shifted elsewhere,” he said.

“But winter service planning is a devolved matter and it sits squarely with the Department for Infrastructure. That includes having the staff, the resources and the supplies in place to respond properly.”

Mr Burrows said his questions are aimed at understanding whether current gritting arrangements are adequate, how decisions are made on which routes receive treatment, and what steps are being taken to protect the road network as winter conditions continue.

“This isn’t about scoring political points,” he added.

“It’s about accountability and making sure lessons are learned. People rely on our roads every day, and they deserve confidence that the system is ready when the temperatures drop.”

He said he will continue to press the Infrastructure Minister for clear explanations on what has gone wrong and how similar disruption can be avoided in the future.