To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for her assessment of the use of new technology to repair potholes, similar to those currently being utilised across various local authorities in England.

My Department works closely with the construction industry to monitor new technology and innovations in respect of pothole repairs.

The Department keeps informed about new approaches to road maintenance through its engagement with other road authorities, Professional Engineering Institutions, universities and the wider construction and infrastructure industry. We are very open to adopting new approaches and innovative materials that offer an improvement to our current approach to road defect repair. Through my Department’s current work on developing a new Road Maintenance Strategy we are actively exploring how emerging technology can be used to focus our investments where they are needed most and better maintain the road network.

My Department will continue to liaise with contractors and suppliers to identify any opportunities in the future that could improve the repair of road defects.