To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department has given any consideration to compensating businesses for loss of income, due to the ongoing roadworks on Newtown Park, South Belfast.

The works at Fourwinds and Newton Park are developer-led works associated with planning approval for neighbouring residential developments. The scope of the works includes widening the existing roundabout, increasing capacity from one lane to two running lanes on all approaches, alterations to footways and enhancing pedestrian facilities along with road signage.

In overseeing these works, my Department must ensure that its statutory responsibilities for the public road network are properly discharged, including that the works are carried out safely and in accordance with the relevant approvals and requirements. While I recognise the concerns raised by businesses, there is no general compensation scheme available through my Department for loss of income arising from disruption associated with properly authorised roadworks. My officials will, however, continue to liaise with the developer to ensure that disruption is managed and mitigated as far as reasonably practicable.