To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will ensure that drainage systems and road surfaces will be upgraded and improved when public realm schemes are taking place in (i) Hillsborough; and (ii) Moira.

My Department is committed to working in partnership with local councils and other stakeholders to support the delivery of high-quality public realm schemes including those in Royal Hillsborough and Moira.

Where schemes impact on adopted roads, my officials engage closely during the planning and design stages to assess the condition of the carriageway and associated infrastructure, including drainage systems.

Whilst efforts are made to align these improvement works, it is not always possible, particularly where funding constraints exist or where the road network does not meet the necessary condition thresholds.

My Department continues to operate a rolling programme of maintenance works and seeks to coordinate wherever practical to support town centre regeneration and ensure long-term benefits for road users and pedestrians.

My officials will continue to engage with their local government counterparts to identify opportunities for joint delivery and ensure that statutory responsibilities for the public road are upheld throughout the development and implementation of public realm schemes.