Adare Bypass on fast track for 2027 Ryder Cup in Limerick

The Adare bypass will be “accelerated” in order to be ready for the 2027 Ryder Cup in Limerick, sources at the Department of Transport said this Tuesday.

They have confirmed the fast-tracking of the road which will link Limerick with Foynes and remove peak-time gridlock from Adare.

And local Green TD Brian Leddin – whose party leader is Transport Minister Eamon Ryan – said its delivery in time for the blue riband tournament is a high priority for the government.

He also revealed that it’s anticipated the Limerick to Foynes, via Adare, rail line will be open to passengers by late 2025, giving a further boost to the Ryder Cup plans.

“Both of these projects are full steam ahead. They will be challenging to deliver. But it’s the highest priority of government to deliver them in time for the Ryder Cup,” Mr Leddin added.

Minister of State and City TD, Kieran O’Donnell, says to facilitate the “early construction” of the road, documents are being prepared with a view to appointing a contractor for the work.

The move to complete the link is seen as important to making the world’s most popular golf tournament at Adare Manor a success.

Locally, Tim Fitzgerald, a senior engineer responsible for the project has told councillors the seven-kilometre section of the road from Attyflynn to Croagh, which is ostensibly the bypass of Adare, will be the priority. Fencing the route could kick off as soon as next month, he added.

Meanwhile, in a further boost to Limerick’s road network, Finance Minister Michael McGrath announced details of a new ‘infrastructure fund’ in his first Budget announcement this Tuesday.

Minister of State and local TD, Niall Collins, said the fund, worth €14bn, “guarantees the funding” needed to build the Limerick to Cork motorway.

This money has been set aside to allow for sustained levels of investment in infrastructure in the event of economic downturns.

The M20 project was axed during the last recession in 2011.

Speaking to the Leader from Leinster House, Mr Collins said: “This fund is designed to avoid the stop-start approach of State-backed capital projects if the economy slows.

“In effect, this guarantees the funding required to build the new M20, a critical piece of infrastructure required in our region regardless of the future economic outlook.”

Mr Fitzgerald of the Mid-West National Road Design Office told a Newcastle West district meeting they are doing everything they can to get the Adare bypass delivered by 2027.

“The positive thing is we are starting,” he said.

Limerick Chamber chief executive Dee Ryan said: “It is critical as much is done to enhance transport infrastructure in the region ahead of the highly-anticipated Ryder Cup.”

The potential of trains being ready raises the prospect of cruise ships arriving into Foynes and its passengers then travelling by rail to Adare Manor for the Ryder Cup.

From the Limerick Leader