To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, given her Department’s prioritisation of strategic road improvement schemes, to detail the impact this prioritisation has had on the regional balance of Departures from Standard applications and issuance of road licence agreements.

My Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years due to underfunding and austerity by the British Government and this has had a significant impact on its ability to deliver essential services such as Engineering Approvals and Road License Agreements.

While I am committed to taking forward Strategic Road Improvements schemes as set out in our Emerging Transport Plans, and the City and Growth deals, these are not unduly prioritised and staff in my Department are working very hard to keep the many important services for which I have responsibility functioning for the benefits of all citizens.

Departures from Standard and Road License Agreements are normally processed in chronological order, however there are occasions when the Department will prioritise an application if we are made aware that it is urgent.