Budget cuts could force tens of thousands of street lights in Northern Ireland to be switched off this winter.

Roads minister Danny Kennedy issued the warning as his department faces a £15 million cut, leaving it unable to pay private contractors to repair broken street lamps.

Kennedy told BBC Northern Ireland: "This has the potential to result in tens of thousands of street lights being out across Northern Ireland over the winter period."

Kennedy's Department for Regional Development will use an in-house contractor in a bid to maintain road safety.

The budget cuts are part of a wider programme which will see Stormont ministerial departments reduce spending by £78 million.

A similar concern over budget cuts recently erupted in Derbyshire following a £775,000 reduction in its street lighting budget. Derbyshire County Council said it can only afford to maintain 12,000 street lights, but anticipates 18,000 may fail.