Swann Calls for Change to DFI Grit Policy After Recent Winter Weather

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has urged the Infrastructure Minister to review the Department for Infrastructure Roads policy on grit provision, warning that the current approach risks undermining community efforts to improve winter safety.

Mr Swann noted that DFI Roads only provides official grit boxes in specific circumstances, including where strict criteria such as road gradient and location are met. In other areas that DFI has identified as “strategic locations”, grit is supplied in piles. However, under current policy, if a community group were to purchase and install a grit box at one of these strategic locations, Roads Service would not place grit inside it. Instead, grit would continue to be left in an open pile beside the community-owned box.

Robin Swann MP said:

“During the recent snow and ice, communities again relied heavily on grit to help keep roads and walkways safe. Local residents have indicated to me that they would be willing to provide their own grit boxes at existing strategic grit pile locations. Yet current DFI policy would mean that even if a community funds and installs a box, grit would still be left on the ground beside it rather than stored inside.

“That simply lacks common sense. Boxes reduce wastage, protect surrounding grass and hedges, improve accessibility and help residents use grit more safely. Importantly, this change would involve no extra cost or resource for the Roads Service, as the grit is already being delivered to these same locations.”

Mr Swann confirmed he has written to the Infrastructure Minister asking for the policy to be reviewed.