Menu
01/09/2016
Union Slams Budget Cuts To Roads Maintenance Services
Unite the union has slammed budget cuts to roads maintenance services in Northern Ireland.
The budget has dropped from £131 million to £54m in the last three years.
Unite Regional Officer, Gareth Scott, who represents the union's roads maintenance workers in Transport NI, described the news as "deeply concerning".
Mr Scott said: "There is a cumulative impact from ongoing budget cuts meaning that our roads are degrading over time.
"There has been a dramatic increase in the number of overgrown verges and hedges growing wild. These impair sightlines and conceal road safety signs, posing a very real hazard to road users.
"We also heard how, even where there’s a budget to allow verges to be cut, workers are being instructed not to take the time to clear gully gratings afterwards. This allows a build-up of debris and leaves roads at much greater risk of localised flooding. In built-up areas, gully checks meant to happen annually are now not happening at all."
Mr Scott called on Stormont to reconsider its approach to funding roads maintenance.
(CD)
The budget has dropped from £131 million to £54m in the last three years.
Unite Regional Officer, Gareth Scott, who represents the union's roads maintenance workers in Transport NI, described the news as "deeply concerning".
Mr Scott said: "There is a cumulative impact from ongoing budget cuts meaning that our roads are degrading over time.
"There has been a dramatic increase in the number of overgrown verges and hedges growing wild. These impair sightlines and conceal road safety signs, posing a very real hazard to road users.
"We also heard how, even where there’s a budget to allow verges to be cut, workers are being instructed not to take the time to clear gully gratings afterwards. This allows a build-up of debris and leaves roads at much greater risk of localised flooding. In built-up areas, gully checks meant to happen annually are now not happening at all."
Mr Scott called on Stormont to reconsider its approach to funding roads maintenance.
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 December 2003
Local roads get record £80m spend
A record £80 million will be spent on structural roads maintenance this year across Northern Ireland. The figure was revealed by Deputy Divisional Roads Manager, Tom McCourt as he presented DRD Roads Service’s autumn report to Newtownabbey Borough Council. Mr McCourt said: "This is a huge increase in investment over previous years.
Local roads get record £80m spend
A record £80 million will be spent on structural roads maintenance this year across Northern Ireland. The figure was revealed by Deputy Divisional Roads Manager, Tom McCourt as he presented DRD Roads Service’s autumn report to Newtownabbey Borough Council. Mr McCourt said: "This is a huge increase in investment over previous years.
20 October 2009
Two Decades To 'Right Roads'
There has been a warning that it might take as long as 20 years to clear an alleged backlog of underfunding and get NI roadways 'fit for purpose'. The claim comes as it was revealed that a third of Northern Ireland's road maintenance budget last year was spent simply on patching up potholes instead of improving the condition of the roads.
Two Decades To 'Right Roads'
There has been a warning that it might take as long as 20 years to clear an alleged backlog of underfunding and get NI roadways 'fit for purpose'. The claim comes as it was revealed that a third of Northern Ireland's road maintenance budget last year was spent simply on patching up potholes instead of improving the condition of the roads.
09 May 2006
Roads Service to spend £6M on improvements
The Roads Service is to invest £4 million into the Armagh district and £2 million in the Newtownabbey area over the next twelve months, it has been revealed today.
Roads Service to spend £6M on improvements
The Roads Service is to invest £4 million into the Armagh district and £2 million in the Newtownabbey area over the next twelve months, it has been revealed today.
26 January 2004
Roads Service prepared to deal with snowfalls
Prepared to deal with heavy snowfalls, the DRD Roads Service in Northern Ireland have been on special alert since Sunday, following an advanced warning of possible snow from the Meteorological Office.
Roads Service prepared to deal with snowfalls
Prepared to deal with heavy snowfalls, the DRD Roads Service in Northern Ireland have been on special alert since Sunday, following an advanced warning of possible snow from the Meteorological Office.
22 September 2017
Serious Concerns Raised Over Roads Maintenance Budget
The SDLP and Alliance have expressed serious concerns after it was revealed that the NI Roads Maintenance budget for this year is to run out next month. SDLP Infrastructure Spokesperson and West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan has called on political parties to forge an agreement.
Serious Concerns Raised Over Roads Maintenance Budget
The SDLP and Alliance have expressed serious concerns after it was revealed that the NI Roads Maintenance budget for this year is to run out next month. SDLP Infrastructure Spokesperson and West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan has called on political parties to forge an agreement.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
