Fianna Fáil TD Paul McAuliffe has welcomed unanimous support for the introduction of a Dublin Local Authority Visitor Levy following approval at this week’s meeting of the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party.
If enacted, the legislation would enable the four Dublin local authorities to collect a levy on visitor accommodation that would provide a new stream of funding aimed at improving the public realm across the capital and surrounding areas.
The Dublin North-West TD said, “I welcome my colleagues’ support for legislation which would enable the four Dublin local authorities to collect a visitor accommodation levy which would result in targeted supports to improve our public realm in Dublin.”
He said, “earlier this year, I published research and a legislative proposal, that noted relevant examples of similar levies in other European countries of similar size to Dublin with apparent success. As I noted at the time, this levy wouldn’t be another tax on locals but would offer a revenue stream funded by those that visit the city, in most instances on a short-term basis.”
If introduced, this levy would provide millions in additional funding for the budget of the city and county’s four local authorities. This has been the topic of discussion both locally and nationally for quite some time, and we need to get moving on it.
The Northside TD said, “this legislation would empower local authorities to make the decision to impose a levy and it could provide for funding in areas that are frequented daily by tourists on excursions from the city centre.”
He explained, “the levy would be ring-fenced for the revitalisation of Dublin and the amenities used by residents and visitors. 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. It would also bring Dublin in line with many capital cities of our European neighbours.”