Transport

The lead administration for Transport is the Northern Ireland Executive.

The geographical area covered by the British – Irish Council is diverse and unique, consisting of hundreds of islands.  This represents its own challenges to the movement of people, goods and services.  Whilst there are for the most part excellent road, rail 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 British-Irish 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 BIC 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 group 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.