To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, given the number of vehicles ending up in Strangford Lough or hitting stone walls, (i) what action her Department is taking to reduce the number of crashes on the A20 Portaferry Road; and (ii) why crash barriers have not been installed along this stretch of road.

I am aware of the recent incidents on the Portaferry Road and my officials will consider the findings of the investigations being undertaken by the PSNI and in particular any issues identified that fall within the remit of my Department.

I am advised that the Department has introduced a number of traffic management measures along the A20 Portaferry Road over the past 15 years including new road markings, warning signage, reflector posts and edge of carriageway road studs.

All requests for improvements to the road network, including a large minor works scheme to provide a vehicle restraint system, are assessed in line with DfI’s current policies and guidance. All works are subject to prioritisation, with all viable proposals competing for the limited funding currently available.