Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris and Minister of State Sean Canney have confirmed the Government’s backing for a tourism task in Dublin at a press conference.
Dublin City Taskforce report in 2024 suggested that a tourism tax could provide funding for the revitalisation of Dublin city.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed government support for the taskforce’s recommendations to tackle safety, cleanliness, and socialising in the capital.
WHERE WE ARE AT: the debate about a tourism tax
The plan includes a pledge to increase the number of gardaí in the city centre by 1,000 to improve safety and public confidence.
Minister Simon Harris shared that funding mechanisms for the revitalisation include the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund and potential levies like a tourist tax.
Simon Harris shared: “there can be significant benefit in a tourist tax if done in the correct way. Many, many European capital cities have it, but of course, you want to get the timing right, you want to, obviously consult. The idea that people who visit our city would make a small contribution, they would go back into the city council coffers to help them deliver some of the projects.”
