Firm seeks to challenge CPO granted as part of Adare water supply project ahead of Ryder Cup

Adare, Co Limerick, is set to host the Ryder Cup in September 2027. Picture: Larry Cummins

A plant and machinery firm wants to mount a legal challenge to a compulsory purchase order granted to Uisce Éireann as part of its initiative to improve water supply to Adare, Co Limerick, ahead of the 2027 Ryder Cup.

Uisce Éireann says the compulsory purchase of lands owned by Houlihans Machinery Services Ltd at Castleroberts, Adare, is necessary for the Adare Rationalisation Project, according to documents submitted to the High Court by the firm.

Houlihans Machinery and its director Edward Houlihan are seeking permission to challenge An Coimisiún Pleanála’s decision to confirm the compulsory purchase order.

Houlihans Machinery claims An Coimisiún Pleanála breached European legislation by determining that an appropriate assessment of the impact of a development on Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas was not required in granting the compulsory purchase order.

The firm also claims Uisce Éireann intends to commence work at its lands on a project that has not been subject to any development consent procedure, in breach of European laws.

The firm says no screening assessment of the proposed works have been carried out, despite environmental considerations raised.

Oisin Collins, for Houlihans Machinery, has moved an application seeking permission to bring judicial review proceedings against An Coimisúin Pleanála and Uisce Éireann.

Mr Collins said the Adare Rationalisation Project is an initiative to improve water supply to Adare ahead of the Ryder Cup. The golf tournament is set to take place at JP McManus’s Adare Manor in September 2027.

Mr Justice David Holland adjourned the case, and directed that the application for permission be made on notice to the other parties in the case.