AQO 2779/17-22 Oral question to the Minister for Infrastructure

To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she plans to review legislation to extend the timeframe that utility providers can be asked to undertake remedial work to a road from two years to four years.

Asked by Kellie Armstrong MLA on 11 November 2021

  • Answered
  • Oral
Tabled
11 November 2021
Answer due by
22 November 2021
Answered
22 November 202111 days after tabling
Department
Department for Infrastructure
Priority question
No

Answer

The Street Works (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 forms the legislative framework for street works by statutory undertakers and requires the undertaker to comply with the Specification for the Reinstatement of Openings in Roads.

If an undertaker does not reinstate the street in a satisfactory manner, my Department applies the procedures as set out in the Code of Practice for Inspections.

Undertakers remain responsible for the permanent reinstatement for a minimum period of two years, increased to three years for a deep excavation.

Given the existence of the legislation as outlined above, there are no current plans to introduce further legislation in relation to these powers.

I have recently written to utilities asking them to ensure their work, in particular reinstatements, leaves the road network in a safe and serviceable condition.

Official sources