To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) whether her DfI Road Service officers will review the way Openreach and other utility providers have left the A20 along the full stretch of Portaferry, Rowreagh and Deerpark Roads from Newtownards to Portaferry; and (ii) whether the patchwork of holes will be repaired to the same state as they were when recently resurfaced by her Department.

My Department is aware of the utility works which have recently taken place on the A20. Under Streetworks legislation, utility companies have a legal right to place and maintain their services in the footway and carriageway and are required to adhere to certain standards.

My officials inspected the works and the utility was notified that the reinstatements did not meet the standards required. I am advised that further remedial works have now been undertaken and I have asked my officials to carry out a further inspection to ensure that all reinstatement work has been completed to the required standard.