A Stormont assemblyman has hit out at Transport Minister Conor Murphy, after it was revealed roads infrastructure spending this year would be almost a quarter less than 2008.

Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Tom Elliott said figures suggesting a 24% slash in investment were "very worrying".

Mr Elliott said: "The figures that I received from the Department for Regional Development make for very worrying reading. It is estimated that the total spend on road structural maintenance for 2009 will reach £59m, down from £77.3m for 2008."

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The UUP assembly member said this year will represent a seven year low in spending, and is almost a third less than that invested between 2003 and 2004.

Mr Elliott raised concerns about the condition of roads in his own constituency: "Many of the roads I use have not had any substantial work carried out for a number of years and there are often visible potholes and signs of extreme wear and tear."

The MLA said he appreciated that the economic downturn had an impact on all Executive spending, but argued Northern Ireland's economy is highly dependent on an efficient roads network.

"I would argue that the massive cut we are seeing in road structural maintenance is too large and will end up costing us more in the long run. It is worth remembering that as a country we are reliant, both economically and socially, upon a viable and efficient road network," he said.

"I would call on Minister Murphy to look into this matter with haste and with a view to increasing the amount available for road structural maintenance."

(PR/JM)