Appendix 3
European Co-operation in the Field of Science and Technical Research (COST).

COST is an intergovernmental framework for European Co-operation in the field of Scientific and Technical Research. It facilitates the co-ordination of nationally funded research on a European level. COST Actions cover basic and pre-competitive research as well as activities of public utility. The goal of COST is to ensure that Europe holds a strong position in the field of scientific and technical research by increasing European co-operation and interaction.

To date there have been three COST actions in the field of accessible transport. These are COST 322 on urban buses, COST 335 on railways and COST 349 on long distance buses and coaches. In each case the reports provide guidance and recommendations with regard to developing accessible transport. Iarnród Éireann participated in the working group on COST 335 and Bus Éireann participated in the working group on COST 349.

The COST web site can be accessed at www.cost.esf.org .