Fast-tracked €150m Adare Bypass may not be ready in time for Ryder Cup

A €150 million bypass project fast-tracked so that it would be ready ahead of the Ryder Cup in Adare, Co Limerick may not be finished in time for tournament.

In internal documents, the Department of Transport was warned that time was running out for the 7km road to be finished by the time the event takes place in September 2027.

A letter from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) said there was no way the entire bypass scheme could be finished in time for the 2027 Ryder Cup.

However, TII chief executive Peter Walsh said there was a narrow window to partially complete it to help divert traffic from Adare.

His letter said: “This is an ambitious target given the time remaining, and the work required, however not impossible if early approval to proceed is given, funding provided and resources provided.”

Mr Walsh said all state agencies working together would be “essential” if there was any hope of getting the partial bypass built before 2027.

He also warned that risks could “materialise” during the planning and construction phase which would “undermine” delivery of the scheme before the Ryder Cup started.

Mr Walsh said the alternative was to put in place an enormous traffic management plan that would have to deal with an extra 17,000 vehicles passing through the town each day of the tournament.

A department submission for Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan detailed the importance of the bypass scheme, stating Adare was dogged by poor air quality, lengthy journey times, and damage to its tourism prospects.

It said having the full road in place prior to the Ryder Cup was unrealistic, but that a partial scheme could be built in time if it was approved.

The submission said: “Transport Infrastructure Ireland believes that while