To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the reason why the fully functional street lights on the Hillsborough Road and Rathfriland Road, Dromara, were removed.

When a street lighting system in an area reaches the end of its serviceable life, a survey is carried out at the location and replacement lighting is installed only in those areas which meet my Department’s policy for the provision of road lighting, as outlined in Street lighting RSPPG E072

Following an assessment, the existing street lighting in Dromara Village, including Hillsborough Road and Rathfriland Road, was identified as requiring replacement. A new lighting installation was subsequently provided, with the extent of coverage reviewed in line with my Department’s policy.

Lighting was provided to the boundaries of the 30mph speed limits on Hillsborough Road and Rathfriland Road. The areas beyond this do not meet my Department’s policy and the existing lights were therefore removed.

This policy, which has been in place since 1993, helps to ensure that lighting is provided where it is most needed, while also balancing considerations such as maintenance costs, energy reduction and environmental impact.