6. Mr Harvey asked the Minister for Infrastructure to outline his Department’s plans to complete the upgrade of the A7 Crossgar Road, Saintfield. (AQO 575/22-27)

The A7 from Belfast to Downpatrick forms part of the strategic road network and is classed as a link corridor. The A7 Rowallane to Doran's Rock scheme proposes to widen approximately 1,500 metres of existing carriageway to improve the forward visibility, with a wide verge on one side and a footpath on the other. The scheme was at an advanced stage of development several years ago, with the design work and an environmental assessment for the scheme being substantially complete. However, the scheme, regrettably, was not taken forward due to other priorities at that time.

My Department is currently developing proposals for a new regional strategic transport network transport plan, which will set out the priorities for future development of the main road and rail networks. I will consider proposals for improvements to the A7 as part of that process. The transport plan is still in development, but, once I <BR/>have identified my preferred options and priorities, a draft document setting those out will be issued for public consultation, giving everyone an opportunity to have their views heard.

I thank the Minister for his detailed answer. The resurfacing scheme on the B7 road from Ballylone to Drumnaconagher in Ballynahinch is now almost complete, and I thank him and his Department for that. Will the Minister please advise when the second phase of that scheme is scheduled to take place at the Crossgar end of the B7, as that section is equally broken up and uneven?

My officials are aware of the condition of the B7 road at Crossgar, and any need for resurfacing will be prioritised against other roads in the division and programmed on the basis of available funding. The division programmes are currently being prepared and will be published in due course. In the meantime, my officials will continue to inspect and repair defects that meet the current limited services intervention level to protect public safety.

The Minister will be aware of how critical the delivery of the Ballynahinch bypass is for the area that Mr Harvey highlighted. Will the Minister confirm when we will receive a further update on the delivery of that scheme?

I am working through my capital budgets, and, once I have done that, I will further engage with my officials responsible for major road improvements. I am keen to deliver the Ballynahinch scheme. It is a worthwhile project and will bring huge benefits not only to the town of Ballynahinch but further afield. It is a case of matching budgets with the opportunity at the time, but it is certainly, in my mind, an active scheme that I wish to progress during my tenure in this post.