Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has written to the Minister for Infrastructure warning that jobs could be lost if contracts to carry out much-needed work on roads in four council areas are not extended.

The Newry and Armagh MLA said: 

“For months now, road resurfacing in the four council areas of Newry Mourne and Down, Mid Ulster, Derry and Strabane, and Fermanagh and Omagh have stopped due to a legal challenge. 

“After speaking to a representative of the road maintenance industry, I understand that additional resurfacing contracts have now ended across the southern division. 

“Many of our roads are in a dire state and any delay to much needed works can only make the situation worse.  

“There are concerns that work will not be carried out in the areas affected until April at the earliest.

“This representative of the industry has called for current contracts to be extended to plug this gap to prevent job losses in the industry.  

“I have written to the Minister for Infrastructure Nichola Mallon to get work on the ground as soon as possible and to explore extending current contracts for the short term.”