To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what plans she has to repair and maintain cycle lanes.

Article 8 of the Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993 places a duty on my Department to maintain all public roads in reasonable condition. The term ‘road’ includes all adopted footways, cycle tracks and verges.

In recognition of its duty of care, my Department has put in place a set of Maintenance Standards for Safety, which are designed to ensure a consistent service level and a safe highway while offering value for money. The Safety Standards and procedures currently in operation establish frequencies for inspections and specify response times for the repair of defects, including on cycle lanes.

As the Member will be aware I announced an investment of £75m in the structural maintenance of the road network in 2020/2021. Although the COVID 19 pandemic led to some initial delays in the commencement of the 2020-21 road maintenance programmes, these are now well underway and the completed renewal work will benefit cyclists and all road users.