Green councillor proposes modest tourist tax to fund Dublin upkeep

A Green Party councillor has said it would be “fair” for visitors to Dublin to pay a small tourist tax to help fund the city’s maintenance.

Cllr Michael Pidgeon told Newstalk Breakfast that a levy of 1 % or 2 % added to hotel bills could generate between €12 million and €15 million a year for Dublin City Council. He suggested the money could pay for street cleaning, public events and other improvements that benefit both residents and tourists.

The councillor noted that Dublin is already an expensive destination, but argued that a modest charge would not deter visitors. He compared Dublin’s proposed rate with Amsterdam’s 12.5 % hotel tax, describing the latter as “way too high”.

Pidgeon also highlighted that many Irish museums and national sites are free, and said a small contribution from tourists would help fund the city’s upkeep without relying on central Government.

He estimated that a 1 % charge could fund over 250 additional street cleaners, providing a measurable impact on the capital’s streets.

Source: Newstalk. Photo: Mark Dalton / Pexels.