Fianna Fáil TD calls for clarity over department's bid to block release of Ryder Cup economic report

A Cork TDhas called for the release of an economic report into the hosting of next year's Ryder Cup, amid efforts by the Department of Sport to appeal a decision to release the report.

Pádraig O'Sullivan, Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North Central and party spokesperson on sport, said that given the public money involved in supporting the event, the public deserves transparency around the economic impact of hosting the 2027 Ryder Cup. He has criticised the Department of Sport's decision to appeal an Information Commissioner ruling directing the release of a report on the event.

The Information Commissioner found that the report should be released under the Freedom of Information Act, concluding that the withheld information was neither commercially sensitive nor confidential and that its publication would not damage Ireland's ability to attract future major sporting events.

O’Sullivan said the decision to appeal the ruling was disappointing given the scale of public investment in the Ryder Cup, which will take place in Adare Manor in Co Limerick in September 2027.

"The Ryder Cup will be one of the biggest sporting events ever hosted in Ireland, and it is receiving substantial public investment. I think it is important that the processes around the event are transparent."

"The Information Commissioner has considered the arguments for withholding the report and concluded that it should be released. The decision to appeal that ruling inevitably raises questions about transparency and accountability."

O'Sullivan said Ireland should continue to pursue major international sporting events, but that public confidence depends on openness throughout the process.