THE ADARE bypass may not be ready in time for the 2027 Ryder Cup, it has emerged.
Time is running out to have the €150million Adare bypass constructed by the time the Ryder Cup tournament is played at the luxury Adare Manor resort in 2027, according to internal documents between Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the Department of Transport.
As reported in the Irish Mirror, internal documents from TII warned that the crucial bypass may not be built in time for the 2027 Ryder Cup, despite being fast-tracked in November by the Department of Transport to ensure that Adare’s traffic situation is in ship shape during the international golf tournament.
A letter from the TII said that it wouldn’t be possible to have the full project complete by 2027, but that there was a possibility that the road could be partially complete in time.
“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,” the letter from TII chief Peter Walsh said.
A submission from the Department of Transport stressed the importance of the bypass for Adare’s air quality and tourism.
“Transport Infrastructure Ireland believe that, while ambitious, it is possible to deliver this if early approval to proceed is given, and funding and resources are provided,” the submission said.
“If delivered before the Ryder Cup, the bypass could assist traffic management during this busy period. It is important to point out that there are risks which may materialise during construction which could slow delivery.”
Elsewhere, Limerick farmers whose land will have to be compulsorily purchased so that the Adare bypass, as well as the new Foynes to Limerick road, can be built will receive significant compensation following an agreement between the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) and the TII.
The agreement will mean that farmers along both proposed routes will be given compensation for lands that have to be purchased for road developments.
An additional €6,500 per acre of land that has to be taken in will also be paid to farmers for their co-operation and early access to the land.
Outgoing IFA president Tim Cullinan said that while having land placed under a compulsory purchase order (CPO) was distressing and stressful for farmers, he was confident the best deal had been struck.
“CPOs are provided for in law and, while we might not like that, it is very important that farmers are at least compensated fairly and fully. An IFA team led by Paul O’Brien has been working on these negotiations for months and I am confident that the best possible agreement has been reached,” Mr Cullinan said.
Up to 800 acres of land is expected to be CPO’d for the Foynes to Limerick road.
Peter Walsh, chief executive of TII, said that the “national agreement with the IFA further supports TII along with our local authority partners to continue to deliver the needed investment in national roads. I’d like to thank all those involved in working towards a fair and equitable agreement for all stakeholders.”
“Together with the code of best practice for national and regional greenways, this agreement reinforces TII’s commitment to infrastructure delivery in a balanced and efficient way,” Mr Walsh concluded.
