Speaking after the meeting, Carla said:

“I want to thank Mark McPeak, Southern Division Manager, for taking time to meet me. My office deals with hundreds of queries in relation to our road network, and recently we have been inundated with complaints about potholes, poor surfacing and flooding.

It is important that DfI continue to address these issues swiftly, and also by conducting proper repairs. Pothole damage to vehicles costs the taxpayers hundreds of thousands in compensation every year, money that would be better spent accelerating and improving repairs and investing in resurfacing. Whilst I have secured countless repairs and significant investment in resurfacing schemes across Upper Bann, the need is vast and stretches to every corner of the constituency.

We also must see the A1 Junction Scheme progress with urgency. This road continues to pose a real danger to motorists and we have waited for too long to see work commence on the next phase. Phase 2 will bring further safety enhancements with the closing of gaps along the central reserve between Hillsborough Roundabout and Loughbrickland, the construction of four new compact grade separated junctions and all other minor adjoining road junctions either closed or reconfigured to a left-in left-out arrangement. This will be transformational in terms of safety but we must move forward with work as soon as possible.

I will continue to engage with DfI and would encourage anyone who identifies road problems to bring them to my attention via my office. I will also continue to press for increased investment in network development across Upper Bann to the benefit of everyone.”