To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) whether the detailed geotechnical investigation to assess the extent of the damage and works required to repair Glenshesk Road, Ballycastle, has commenced; and (ii) to detail a timeframe for the completion of this investigation.

Work is currently underway to develop a ground investigation specification, which will be finalised within the coming weeks. Once this is completed and certified, physical ground investigation works will be undertaken on site allowing the preparation of a ground investigation report. The ground investigation report is anticipated to be drafted by the end of August 2024.

This ground investigation report will then inform the detailed design process and the subsequent remedial construction work. This is a complex issue that will require significant engineering consideration to allow a safe and feasible solution to be developed. However, I am very mindful of the impact this road closure is having on the local community and I have asked my officials to work at pace and bring forward an accelerated programme for the delivery of a proposed solution.