64. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport his plans to ensure that the two upcoming international events, the Ryder Cup 2027 and UEFA EURO 2028, will have lasting legacy impacts for communities across Ireland. [33422/26]

The Government is committed to ensuring there are tangible benefits to wider society arising from the hosting of these major international sports events. We are implementing a range of legacy programmes that will deliver lasting benefits to people of all ages on the island of Ireland.

In relation to the EURO 2028 football championships and the Ryder Cup in Limerick next year, these events provide a once-in-a-generation opportunity to use both the popularity and power of football and golf to stimulate, engage and inspire young and old across the island.

The unique power of football to inspire children to play and develop a long-term affinity for the game will be a core theme of the legacy programmes being development for the EURO 2028 tournament. Across the host nations, a collaborative Impact and Legacy programme is being developed with details to be announced in due course.

In relation to the Ryder Cup, due to be staged at Adare Manor in Limerick next year, funding of up to €5.7 million was recently announced to help ensure that the 2027 Ryder Cup produces a lasting legacy in Adare and in the wider Limerick region and in Ireland as a whole.

A number of legacy projects within the village of Adare collectively aim to position Adare as a key cultural and tourist hub in Limerick and the Mid-West, enhancing its appeal for residents and visitors both during and after Ryder Cup in 2027 and delivering long-term benefits for the community of Adare for generations to come. These projects will be delivered in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council and the local community.

Additionally, the Department will be funding a 4-year small-scale golf legacy infrastructure scheme. This funding will support the development of facilities such as putting greens and small 3 and 6-hole courses in areas with high public access opportunities and with a particular focus on non-traditional golfing communities in order to support growth in participation in the game. These smaller scale projects will prioritise increased accessibility opportunities for all.

Sport Ireland funding is supporting a network of golf development officers to engage with schools and clubs in order to grow interest in all forms of the game across diverse communities. Key participation targets have been established in order to be able to measure outcomes of this investment.

The Department and Ryder Cup Europe have already announced the hosting of the first-ever disabled golf event, the “G4D Ryder Cup”, as part of Ryder Cup 2027, which will take place at Ballyneety Golf Club which will also host the Junior Ryder Cup. This will ensure Ryder Cup 2027, the centenary hosting of the event, will deliver a meaningful legacy impact both for golf and the wider world of disability sport.