Critical funding for Northern Ireland's roads is at risk, according to the SDLP.

Speaking after meeting with the Permanent Secretary for the Department of Infrastructure, SDLP MLA Pat Catney said the situation was "unforgivable".

He said: "The maintenance of our roads is vital, it is matter of public safety. We cannot as politicians just sit back and do nothing.

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"It is incredibly frustrating that almost daily we are hearing about the strain on public services while there is no Executive in place. It's simply not good enough.

"In my own constituency I have heard of the concerns from construction suppliers and workers that the lack of funding could lead to significant pressures. It may even lead to job losses. The situation is unsustainable, unacceptable and unforgivable.

"As budget holes deepen, we are faced with the dangerous and unacceptable reality that our public services and people here are paying the price for their political failure."

(CD/LM)