To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she is aware of any issue with the online portal for reporting road defects, including potholes, where the report is removed without the pothole being repaired.

I am not aware of any issues with regard to the online portal for reporting potholes, however I would advise that when a pothole is reported, officials will undertake a review of the site and determine if the defect is within the Department’s policy to deem it an actionable defect. If the defect meets the required threshold, it will be marked and reported for repair. If the defect does not meet the current threshold of my Department’s Limited Service policy, the report is closed on the system and marked as a “non-actionable” defect.

On 2nd December, I was pleased to launch the new Road Maintenance Strategy which is now open for public consultation and in support of the new approach I have also commissioned a full digital road survey of all roads in the North.

We are committed to raising the standard of maintenance across the network, ensuring that interventions are timely, durable, and delivered to consistently high specifications. This will reduce long-term costs, improve user experience, and enhance safety.

Whilst the strategy and survey will provide greater detail to inform strategic decision making, this will also continue to be supported by the reporting of potholes and surface defects via the online portal. Maintenance staff will continue to inspect and make-safe defects in accordance with our policy to ensure the safety of the travelling public.