While a trial of artificial intelligence software for winter gritting indicated “some benefits”, the Minister says there are no plans for a country-wide rollout.
Newry and Armagh MLA, Justin McNulty recently asked the Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins if her Department was taking any steps to ensure there is “no regional bias” when using AI to assist in decision-making for winter gritting.
While there is no official statement from the Minister in regards to how AI is being utilised on the approach to the cold snap season, she did reply to the MLA’s question with some detail.
Minister Kimmins explained that software was used in one region to help inform gritting decisions.
“My Department trialled the use of an AI Assistant to support the Duty Manager in one Roads Network Division when determining whether winter gritting was required,” said the Minister.
“The Assistant was trained using historic weather patterns and previous gritting decisions for that area. It provided a percentage likelihood figure to inform the Duty Manager’s assessment, with the final decision remaining with the Duty Manager and based on current weather reports.”
In 2025, DfI Roads Southern Divisional Manager Simon Richardson detailed the scope and cost of winter gritting across the region.
Mr Richardson explained that from November through to April 74 staff are kept on standby in the Southern Division to salt main roads.
He also explained that salt barns and stockpiles are filled to maximum capacity in Southern Division during the pre-winter season which carries out salting in the council areas of Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon and Newry, Mourne & Down.
“When ice or snow is forecast, we have 31 gritters available which can salt the main network in just over three hours, a massive logistical exercise that costs around £20,000 each time it takes place,” he said.
While the potential for cost-saving may be improved by the use of assistive technology, the Minister is not currently ready to make any firm decisions.
Concluded Minister Kimmins: “While the AI Assistant demonstrated some benefits, a wider rollout is not currently planned. Any further implementation would be subject to the preparation and approval of a formal business case.”
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