To ask the Minister for Infrastructure when the works at the Four Winds roundabout will be complete.

Ms Kimmins (The Minister for Infrastructure)

The works at Four Winds 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; making alterations to footways; and enhancing pedestrian facilities and road signage. In overseeing the works, my Department must ensure that its statutory responsibilities for the public road network are properly discharged, including that the works be carried out safely and in accordance with the relevant approvals and requirements. Owing to the complexity of the scheme, a series of lane and road closures has been necessary in order to facilitate safely the programme of works over a six- to seven-month period. As with all developer-led construction, the timescale for completion is dependent on the developer. The scheme is currently programmed for completion in January 2027, however.

Ms Kimmins

I hope that my previous answer has provided some kind of assurance about when they can expect the works to be completed, although, obviously, we keep the timescale under review. I appreciate the disruption that such schemes can cause, particularly given their complexity. If there are any unforeseen issues, we will endeavour to ensure that the community is kept informed. That is difficult, because the works are developer-led, but, where possible, I will ensure that my officials liaise with the developer to keep lines of communication open.

Miss Hargey

As you said, Minister, that work is being done by a developer, but it builds on the road safety work that your Department is doing in the wider Four Winds and Carryduff areas. Will you be working with the developer to ensure that that January deadline is met? If there is any potential slippage, will you insist that the developer keep the residents up to date?

Ms Kimmins

Ensuring that people are kept informed and that disruption is minimised is the least that I would expect. If, however, that has not been happening, or if there are difficulties, I will ensure that my officials liaise with the developer to make sure that any further issues are communicated to residents as effectively as possible.

Mr O'Toole

Minister, as has been said, the area is part of our constituency in which there is a huge amount of developer-led development. The public have to put up with a lot of disruption, but there are also real concerns about road safety, as the Member who spoke previously mentioned. I welcome the confirmation that you have provided about the work on the Four Winds roundabout. I have asked you before about progress on enhanced pedestrian safety measures at the Carryduff roundabout, where an elderly lady lost her life earlier this year. Do you have an update to give on the progress made on such measures there, where there really is a pedestrian safety issue?

Ms Kimmins

I appreciate that the Member has raised that issue previously. I do not have an update in front of me, but I am happy to obtain one from officials to find out how things have progressed since we spoke previously about the issue. I can then respond to the Member in writing, if he is happy with that approach.