To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) for an update on the work to progress the A1 Junctions Phase 2 between Hillsborough and Loughbrickland; and (ii) whether his Department is committed to delivering this scheme without further delay.

Major Road schemes are an important part of the work that is delivered by my Department as we seek to reduce journey times increase reliability. and improve road safety.

I remain fully committed to delivering this important road safety project. The statutory Orders for the scheme were made in summer 2021 and work on the project is continuing through the development of contract documents and Business Case.

In recognition of current and future potential funding challenges, my Department is exploring options to deliver the project in smaller phased packages.

Details of the current status and timescales for of the A1 Junctions Phase 2 project will continue to be available on the project webpage which can be viewed at: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/articles/a1-junctions-phase-2-overview