Fix Our Roads – No More Excuses

Carla Lockhart MP • April 23, 2025

Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has issued a strong statement demanding urgent action from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Minister over the worsening state of roads across the constituency, saying the situation has become a growing source of public anger and frustration. While acknowledging the hard work of local DfI staff on the ground, Carla Lockhart said the blame for the crisis lies squarely at the feet of the Minister, who she accuses of failing to prioritise core infrastructure in favour of wasteful spending on “vanity projects.”


Carla Lockhart MP said:


“I greatly value and appreciate the local roads teams who are doing what they can with the limited resources they’ve been handed. They are not the problem. This issue sits firmly at the Minister’s desk. The failure to fund and prioritise basic infrastructure is a political one.”


“The state of our roads is disgraceful. Just this morning, I assisted in the submission of four more claims on behalf of constituents who have suffered vehicle damage due to potholes and crumbling surfaces. That’s not unusual, it’s become a daily occurrence. People are rightly fed up.”


“The public pay their taxes. What they expect in return is safe, driveable roads, not dangerous conditions and repair bills. It’s time the Minister got back to basics. No more waste on pet projects or glossy schemes. Fix the roads. Resurface, repair, and restore confidence in public infrastructure.”


“This isn’t just about inconvenience it is about safety. Whether you’re a driver, cyclist, or pedestrian, you shouldn’t be risking injury every time you leave your home.”


“And looking ahead, in just a few weeks’ time, we will welcome thousands of visitors to Northern Ireland for the NW200 many of them motorcyclists. The state of our roads must be safe. It’s not just about local traffic anymore, it’s about protecting lives on a larger scale.”


“Enough is enough. I will continue to press this issue and I call on the Minister to get serious about investment in the fundamentals. Stop the spin. Fix the roads.”


Carla Lockhart’s office continues to assist residents with road claims and reports, and is urging the public to keep highlighting problem areas.

Share

By Carla Lockhart MP April 25, 2025
DUP Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP, has hit out at DAERA Minister Andrew Muir, following confirmation that Northern Ireland currently has no dedicated bee inspectors in place, leaving all bee health issues routed through a single shared email inbox.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 25, 2025
With the 2025 Beef Week campaign underway, Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart is urging consumers to shop local and safeguard the future of the province’s agri-food sector.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 26, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart is looking forward to attending Lurgan and District Horse and Cattle Society’s 110 th agricultural show on Saturday, 7 th June.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 25, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said the launch of the Blueprint for Bovine TB Eradication in Northern Ireland largely mirrors previous recommendations made by Edwin Poots, but says tough decisions are necessary on effective wildlife control to mitigate against the spread of the disease.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 23, 2025
DUP Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP has hit out at DAERA Minister Andrew Muir following confirmation that Northern Ireland currently has no dedicated bee inspectors in place and that all bee health issues are now being routed through a single shared email inbox. In responses to the Upper Bann MP, the Minister admits there is no one solely responsible for bee inspections within the Department, a move Ms Lockhart has labelled “complacent, careless and completely inadequate.” 
By Carla Lockhart MP April 23, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has expressed her sincere thanks to all those who contributed to this year’s Big Bucket Collection in aid of the Southern Area Hospice, which raised an impressive £35,078 across Northern Ireland. Despite the ongoing challenges of the cost of living crisis, communities across the country have once again demonstrated incredible generosity in supporting the Hospice’s vital work.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 23, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the commencement of long-overdue improvement works to the footpaths in Loughgall village, following years of lobbying on behalf of local residents and community groups.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 23, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has encouraged the local community to come out and support Waringstown’s very own Kate Weir as she prepares to launch her debut album The Reason this weekend. The album launch will take place on Saturday 26th April at 7:30pm in Craigavon Civic Centre, featuring special guests LIVE ISSUE, KINGDOM BOUND, WARREN SMYTH, and VICTORIA KENNEDY (SALT). Tickets are £12 and available via Eventbrite, FM Bookshops, or at the door on the night.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 23, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the opening of a brand-new coffee shop, Folks, in Banbridge, praising the entrepreneurial spirit and community focus of the two sisters behind the venture. The MP visited the shop, located at 1 The Mall, to meet owners Jennifer and Katie, and to sample some of the freshly brewed coffee and their now locally-loved açaí and granola bowls. 
By Carla Lockhart MP April 23, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has said Lisburn was alive with colour, music, and tradition on Easter Monday as thousands gathered to witness the annual Apprentice Boys Parade. Bands and brethren from across the country marched proudly through the city, creating a wonderful family atmosphere along the packed parade route. Among the many represented districts, Upper Bann stood tall, with a strong contingent of Apprentice Boys and bands from Banbridge, Lurgan, and Portadown.
More Posts