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British-Irish Council – Annual Report – 2012
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Transport: Sustainable and Accessible Transport
(Led by the Northern Ireland Executive)
The geographical area covered by the Council is diverse and unique, consisting of hundreds
of islands. This presents its own challenges to the movement of people, goods and services.
Whilst there are for the most part excellent road, rail, sea and air links in place there are
significant challenges faced by travellers with disabilities. There is also a need to consider how
to make the transport infrastructure more sustainable to meet environmental aims.
Transport was agreed as a work sector at the inaugural meeting of the Council in December
1999. The Transport work sector has two sub-groups on Accessible Transport and Sustainable
Transport which consider how to improve transport policy and practice.
At the 18th Summit held in Stirling in June 2012, the Council welcomed the work of the
group on developing a common web approach towards accessible journey planning, which is
continuing to evolve.
The work sector is also now considering the role of Smartcard Technology; the use and mutual
recognition of Blue Badge schemes; and how to support the introduction of more sustainable
modes of transport.