Tourist tax needed for Dublin, says McAuliffe

Fianna Fáil TD Paul McAuliffe has proposed the introduction of a tourist tax.

The Dublin North-West TD believes that the introduction of a local authority visitor levy could provide a new stream of funding.

McAuliffe’s comments come in the wake of a similar proposal by Green and Labour councillors, who have lobbied for the introduction of such a tax since the 2024 local elections.

McAuliffe, who was serving as Lord Mayor of Dublin prior to his election as a TD in 2020, said that Dublin should take advantage of its burgeoning tourist industry and put money back into the city’s coffers.

A tourist tax is currently present in most major European cities such as Paris, Rome and Barcelona, with Dublin the only major exception.

McAuliffe said that the success of similar schemes across Europe should be a blueprint for Dublin to follow.

He stated that it would not be a tax on locals, but would offer a revenue stream funded by visitors to the city.

The Fianna Fáil TD said that the money put back into Dublin’s coffers could go towards funding Dublin’s four local authorities, a long-time pet project of McAuliffe.

Speaking to Northside People in 2023, McAuliffe said he was in favour of devolving more powers to local authorities, stating, “I think it’s somewhat absurd that part-time councillors are expected to run cities.”

“To run a city the size of Dublin better, we need reform,” he said at the time.

He explained that his legislation would “empower” local authorities to make the decision to impose a levy, with that money then being ring-fenced for revitalisation projects.

“It would offer a much-needed funding boost at a time of rapid expansion in our capital and would support local authorities’ investment in the public realm,” he said.

McAuliffe called on his government colleagues to put his legislation on the agenda, saying it is “achievable and balanced.”

“It would bring Dublin in line with many capital cities of our European neighbours. This is not an aggressive form of tax, but overall, it would amount to a funding boost that would improve our capital and surroundings for visitors and residents alike,” he said.