Adare residents' concerns over Ryder Cup ‘2km exclusion zone’
Limerick City and County Council moves to clarify reports of access restrictions in Adare during golf competition
RESIDENTS living in the vicinity of Adare are being reassured they will have access “to go about their daily business” in the village during next year’s Ryder Cup.
At the October meeting of the Adare-Rathkeale Municipal District, concerns were raised about a recent document which suggested a “2km exclusion zone” will be in place around Adare for the Ryder Cup.
Several elected members stated they had been contacted by local residents following the circulation of a map which depicts a red line around Adare and its immediate environs.
"I have been inundated with calls,” said Cllr Adam Teskey, who claimed the preparations for the tournament are “uprooting” Adare and “turning into absolute chaos”.
He stated: "We need to ensure members of the public will have lawful access. I won’t have criminals made out of people that I represent.”
Following the circulation of the map, he said constituents had raised concerns with him about traffic control and restrictions around Adare, adding that there is “a level of confusion” regarding who would be allowed to pass through or park within the village and its environs.
Cllr Teskey said he feared locals will be “disenfranchised” while Cllr John O’Donoghue said nobody in Adare wants to return to a “lockdown” situation.
Cllr Bridie Collins said suggestions of a 2km exclusion zone were a myth as the final traffic management plan has not been finalised. “Anybody who has normal business (in Adare) will have access,” she stated.
Director of Service Vincent Murray explained that access for locals and emergency services will be maintained throughout the week-long event next September and that the purpose of any “control line” will be to ensure the village is not “overwhelmed”.
He said those attending the Ryder Cup will be required to use dedicated Park and Ride facilities and that traffic restrictions in the village will be in place primarily for tourists and visitors.
Mr Murray pointed out that the Adare Bypass will be open early next year meaning traffic will not be required to drive through the village.
"It’s just about crowd control,” he stated, specifically adding that locals will not be made criminals of by any traffic control measures.
Councillor John O’Donoghue said the document, which was circulated in recent weeks was “not helpful” and he suggested the local authority had “jumped the gun” by putting it into the public domain without proper context.
"There was alarm, explaining the cordon would be a help.”
It’s understood gardai and event organisers will brief councillors on their detailed plans relating to traffic restrictions and crowd control measures in the coming weeks.