Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has stated that resurfacing schemes for Newry and Armagh in the coming year will be finalised once budgets are confirmed. The plans will go to local councils in due course.

Repairs will target highest priority defects on heavily trafficked roads first. An extra £5m has gone to Southern Division Roads, covering Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon and Newry, Mourne and Down Council areas.

Kimmins acknowledged frustrations from poor road conditions. Her department inspects and fixes top priority defects across all council areas as resources allow.

The minister responded to Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty's query on resurfacing and pothole repairs in his constituency. Prolonged wet weather caused extensive damage and a record number of defects, so not all can be fixed right away.

Recent work with the new funding includes resurfacing on A25 Rathfriland Road, C217 Tullywhinney Road, A27 New Street, A2 Sugar Island and U6294 Erskine Street.

Officials completed 6.2km of road recovery in Tassagh, including Farnaloy Road, plus Dawson Street, Abbey Street and Loughgall Road in Armagh.

Kimmins launched a new Road Maintenance Strategy for public consultation in early December. Feedback is under analysis. She also commissioned a full digital survey of all Northern Ireland roads to guide future maintenance.

Current schemes appear in the department's annual reports to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough and Newry Mourne and Down District Councils. Staff prioritise inspections and larger machine-laid repairs where feasible.