CIÉ ready for massive Ryder Cup tee-off

THE Ryder Cup will require the biggest public transport operation since the visit of Pope John Paul II to Ireland in 1979, CIÉ claimed yesterday.

During the week of the tournament at the K Club in Straffan, Co Kildare, the company will be moving an estimated 11,000 people at any one moment by bus and rail.

It plans to cater for more than half a million journeys on Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and Irish Rail services during the competition and practice days, from September 19 to 24.

A significant element of the work will be Dublin Bus’s role in carrying 30,000 fans between the venue at the K Club in Straffan and the two official park and ride sites at Weston Aerodrome and Palmerstown House each day.

A further 10,000 people will be brought from around 80 hotels around Leinster by 260 Bus Éireann coaches, while a rail service is also being provided from Dublin to the K Club.

Irish Rail will operate the special Connolly Station to Leixlip Louisa Bridge, with a shuttle service transferring passengers to the club from there.

The overall service will involve more than 500 bus and rail staff, including inspectors and supervisors, during the week. The transport operation will be co-ordinated through a designated radio base, ensuring supervisory staff can direct resources quickly and efficiently.

CIÉ chairman Dr John Lynch said only the CIÉ group has the experience and resources needed to plan and manage transportation for this scale an event of this scale.

“We bring with us a wealth of experience of meeting the transport needs of those attending major events,” Dr Lynch said.

He cited the 1979 papal visit and, in more recent times, the 2003 Special Olympics, major concerts at Slane Castle and the Oxegen festival in Punchestown, Co Kildare.

As well as golf enthusiasts, the companies will also be helping with the transport needs of Ryder Cup players and management, including VIP travel for the United States team, as well as transport for around 2,000 members of the media expected to descend on the K Club.

Plans are also in place for Bus Éireann to help provide transport for the local community in Straffan.