Councillor warns Ryder Cup plans could restrict access to Adare

Fine Gael councillor Adam Teskey warned that proposals linked to the 2027 Ryder Cup could effectively make residents of Adare “criminals” if they try to enter the village during the event.

Speaking at the October meeting of the Adare/Rathkeale Municipal District, Cllr Teskey criticised Limerick City and County Council’s plan to dispose of the Adare Heritage Centre to Limerick Twenty Thirty DAC, describing the move as a loss of “the only bit of weight” the council has at the site.

He expressed concern that a 30‑year lease extension could leave future councillors with no insight into the heritage centre’s use, likening it to the Askeaton Swimming Pool controversy.

Teskey also highlighted a proposed two‑kilometre restriction that would allow entry to Adare only with a Ryder Cup pass, saying this would unlawfully block elderly residents and other constituents.

Limerick Council responded that ownership of the building would be retained and that the lease extension is merely to facilitate works and funding. Director Vincent Murray noted the proposal must now go to the full council for approval and that any access restrictions would mainly affect people outside Adare.

Fianna Fáil councillor Bridie Collins disputed Teskey’s claims, stating there is no plan to stop normal village traffic and that his comments were “headline‑grabbing”.

Source: Limerick Post. Photo: PROSPER MBEMBA KOUTIHOU / Pexels.