Independent Ireland TD Ken O’Flynn has said it would be “indefensible” for the State to allocate another €30 million in taxpayer funding to the Ryder Cup at Adare Manor.
The criticism follows a report in The Irish Times this week which revealed that billionaire businessman JP McManus is seeking additional State support for the 2027 tournament.
The Government has already committed €58 million in direct funding and €150 million for a new Adare bypass. The fresh request would cover road improvements, park-and-ride facilities and expanded staffing across State agencies.
Speaking to Gript, the Cork North-Central TD said the proposal raised “serious questions of fairness, accountability, and fiscal prudence.”
“The State has already contributed €58 million to the event, including €14.3 million in operational costs for transport, security, and local authority supports,” he said.
“In parallel, Government has committed €150 million to the Adare bypass in anticipation of tournament-related traffic volumes.
“…At a time when families are struggling with the cost of living, housing shortages, and healthcare pressures, it is indefensible to direct yet more taxpayer money to underwrite a private resort owned by one of the wealthiest individuals in the State.”
O’Flynn outlined another steps he said were necessary, including the rejection of further taxpayer funding, commissioning of an independent cost-benefit analysis, prioritisation of private financing, and the reallocation of public resources to essential services.
“The Ryder Cup should be a celebration of sport, not a test of how far the State is prepared to subsidise private wealth,” he said.
Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon also criticised the proposal, describing the situation as “extraordinary.”
“It is extraordinary to see €88 million of taxpayer money being lined up for a golf tournament hosted on a billionaire’s private estate, when so many of our grassroots sports clubs are struggling to keep the lights on,” the Dublin Central TD told Gript.
“Local GAA clubs fundraise all year just to maintain pitches. Football clubs in Dublin are crying out for all-weather facilities. Our Olympic hopefuls train on shoestring budgets compared to their international competitors.”
Gannon added that community sports clubs should be prioritised over major tournaments.
“If we can find €30 million extra for a single weekend in Adare, surely we can find the same for community clubs in Ballybough, Ballyfermot or Ballymun that are keeping kids active every single week of the year,” he said.
“Nobody doubts that the Ryder Cup will bring visitors, but public money for sport should be about fairness. Right now it feels like the State is bending over backwards to fund golf, while every other sport is left fighting for scraps.”
A spokesperson for Sport Minister Patrick O’Donovan told The Irish Times that a review of the Ryder Cup operational budget is under way and that an application for additional funding will be made before December.
Government projections had initially estimated an economic return of €160 million, based on 300,000 attendees each spending at least €500 daily.