Northern Ireland is setting a new national standard for infrastructure management, becoming the first Government Department across the United Kingdom and Ireland to commission and fund a full national AI-powered road and footway network survey.

Gaist is proud to announce this major contract with the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Northern Ireland. This landmark initiative delivers the first full commissioned and funded survey featuring the most advanced road, footway and asset condition, establishing a vital national baseline.

AI, Data, and Maximising Investment

Over the next four months, Gaist will capture a comprehensive digital twin of every road and footway using advanced HD imagery and AI processing, generating billions of data points. This rapid process provides DfI with deep, consistent insights that were previously impossible due to fragmented and costly traditional surveying methods.

The data will transform DfI’s planning capabilities, which is especially critical given that £136 million was allocated to Structural Maintenance in 2024-25. The AI-driven system helps DfI maximise this investment through Lifecycle Modelling and Prioritised Maintenance based on objective data.

As Gaist CEO, Steve Birdsall, commented: “DfI will gain a level of insight into its road infrastructure that will help it reduce costs, make faster decisions, prepare confidently for future innovations. Ultimately this will improve the experience of road users across the Country”.

Colin Sykes, Director for Road Asset Maintenance, Department for Infrastructure, said: “Working with Gaist gives us the opportunity to transform how we understand and manage Northern Ireland’s roads. This digital twin will provide the clarity and evidence needed to target investment, improve safety and deliver a better experience for everyone who relies on the network.”

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