Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has confirmed she is progressing plans for an additional funding package to address damage to the road network caused by recent severe weather, building on the £30 million package announced shortly before Christmas.

The Minister said the impacts of storms, cold weather and record rainfall have placed significant pressure on roads across the North, prompting urgent action from her department to identify further measures that can be delivered quickly.

Minister Kimmins said: “I am all too aware of the impact the recent storm and cold weather has had across the road network and it is an issue I am taking very seriously. I have asked my officials to look at what can be urgently delivered through a package of measures specifically to tackle the impacts of recent severe weather conditions on our roads.

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"Changing weather patterns are bringing heavier rainfall and an increase in flooding and flood risk. In January alone we have seen the extremes – beginning with below average temperatures which resulted in snow, record rainfall and this week Storm Chandra which contributed to new January rainfall records for the North.

"Despite this, my department is committed to raising the standard of maintenance across the network. I announced a £30m package before Christmas and hope to announce the detail of a further package of measures in the coming days.

"I would encourage road users to continue to report of potholes and surface defects via the online portal. Maintenance staff will continue to inspect and make-safe defects by working to address the highest priority defects as fast as possible, in accordance with our policy to ensure the safety of the travelling public."

The Department for Infrastructure has confirmed that inspections and repair works are continuing, with maintenance teams prioritising the most serious defects to ensure public safety while longer-term repair programmes are developed.