
Four Dublin local authorities have been collaborating on a proposal to implement a tourist tax on hotel rooms in the capital, but the Government appears unlikely to support the initiative.
The proposed tax would generate an estimated €12 million annually by adding a charge to tourists’ hotel bills. Local councillors have suggested these funds could be directed toward improving amenities throughout Dublin.
However, Minister for Tourism Peter Burke is reportedly not planning to introduce such a tax in the near future, focusing instead on the short-term letting bill as his priority.
A Government source indicated that while Ireland provides good value for tourists, it is not considered a low-cost destination, making additional costs potentially problematic for the tourism sector.
Minister for Culture Patrick O’Donovan has also expressed opposition to the idea, stating he would not welcome a tourist tax and that “the last thing we need to do” is increase costs for visitors.
Though local councils can collaborate on developing such proposals, implementing any new tax would ultimately fall under the authority of the Minister for Finance and would need to be incorporated into the Finance Bill to become effective.
About the author
Dublin Hotel Tax Plan Hits Government Roadblock Despite €12M Potential
Four Dublin local authorities have been collaborating on a proposal to implement a tourist tax on hotel rooms in the capital, but the Government appears unlikely to support the initiative. The proposed tax would generate an estimated €12 million annually by adding a charge to tourists' hotel bills. Local councillors have suggested these funds could be directed toward improving amenities throughout Dublin. However, Minister for Tourism Peter Burke is reportedly not planning to introduce such a tax in the near future, focusing instead on the short-term letting bill as his priority. A Government source indicated that while Ireland provides good value for tourists, it is not considered a low-cost destination, making additional costs potentially problematic for the tourism sector. Minister for Culture Patrick O'Donovan has also expressed opposition to the idea, stating he would not welcome a tourist tax and […]
Ayoola Atitebi April 20, 2025
Prisoner Found Dead From Suspected Drug Overdose At Major Irish Facility
A male inmate at Midlands Prison in County Laois has died from what authorities believe to be a drug overdose. The prisoner, reported to be in his thirties, was found deceased earlier today according to official sources. The Irish Prison Service (IPS) confirmed the death in a statement, noting that standard procedures for investigating deaths in custody will be followed. "As with all death in custody, the Irish Prison Service, the Office of the Inspector of Prisons and An Garda Síochána investigate where circumstances warrant," the IPS statement indicated. The prison service further clarified that the official cause of death will ultimately be determined by the Coroner's Office following their examination. Midlands Prison, where the incident occurred, is a closed, medium-security facility designed to house adult male offenders. The institution has the capacity to accommodate up to 870 inmates. No […]
Ayoola Atitebi April 20, 2025
Easter Weekend Storm Claims Child and Adult as Historic Flooding Sweeps Oklahoma
At least two people, including a 12-year-old boy, have died in Oklahoma after their vehicle was trapped in floodwaters, as severe weather impacted the South and Midwest during Easter weekend. Flood warnings were active across Oklahoma, with the National Weather Service forecasting severe thunderstorms from east Texas into southeast Iowa and Illinois on Sunday. The agency also warned of potential strong tornadoes and damaging winds from central Arkansas into central Missouri. Police in Moore, Oklahoma, located about 18km (11 miles) south of Oklahoma City, described the situation as "a historical weather event that impacted roads and caused dozens of high-water incidents." In a statement Sunday, Moore police explained that one vehicle "left the roadway and was swept under the bridge. At the time of the incident, all but two occupants were rescued. It is with great sadness that we report […]
Ayoola Atitebi April 20, 2025
Catholic Priest Charged With Trying To Contact Child For Sexual Purposes
A 58-year-old Catholic priest from Donegal faced court proceedings after being charged with attempted sexual communication with a child. Fr Edward Gallagher, residing at Orchard Park in Lifford, appeared before Derry Magistrates' Court via video link following his arrest on Thursday. The arrest occurred outside a hotel in Derry. During the special sitting, which took place in Dungannon, Fr Gallagher confirmed he understood the charge against him. The charge alleges attempted sexual communication with a child between April 2 and April 17. A Police Service of Northern Ireland officer testified that they could connect Fr Gallagher to the charge presented to the court. The priest's legal representative applied for legal aid during the proceedings, explaining that while his client had previously received "a modest stipend," those financial arrangements would likely "cease" due to "the circumstances of this case." No application […]
Ayoola Atitebi April 19, 2025
Trump Cuts Devastate Irish Aid Agencies As Hundreds Lose Jobs Worldwide
US aid funding cuts have severely impacted Irish aid agencies working in developing countries, according to documents obtained by RTÉ News through Freedom of Information requests. The documents reveal significant uncertainty among Irish non-governmental organizations following President Donald Trump's executive order freezing and terminating foreign aid funding. As the Trump administration's review of US foreign aid concludes this weekend, Irish agencies are already dealing with job losses, suspended overseas programs, and operational uncertainty. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), previously one of the world's largest foreign aid donors, was effectively dismantled by the Trump administration in January. Emails and briefing notes show the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) maintained contact with Ireland's aid agencies as tens of millions in funding essentially disappeared. Hundreds of redundancies have occurred across Irish aid organizations, with development projects in countries including Sierra […]
Ayoola Atitebi April 19, 2025
Aubameyang Stuns Al Nassr With Last Gasp Header As Al Qadsiah Dreams Big
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang delivered a dramatic late winner as Al Qadsiah overcame Al Nassr 2-1 on Friday night, breathing new life into their pursuit of a top-three finish in the Roshn Saudi League. At Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium, the hosts took the lead in the 35th minute when Turki Al Ammar reacted quickly to convert a rebound, putting Al Qadsiah in control against the league's third-placed team. The advantage lasted until the 84th minute when Sadio Mane equalized for Al Nassr, seemingly shifting momentum toward the visitors who appeared poised to maintain their grip on third place and potentially close within five points of league leaders Al Ittihad. However, just three minutes later, Aubameyang rose above two Al Nassr defenders to meet Nahitan Nandez's looped pass with a powerful header that found the back of the net, sending the home […]
Ayoola Atitebi April 19, 2025
Related
Prisoner Found Dead From Suspected Drug Overdose At Major Irish Facility
A male inmate at Midlands Prison in County Laois has died from what authorities believe to be a drug overdose. The prisoner, reported to be in his thirties, was found deceased earlier today according to official sources. The Irish Prison Service (IPS) confirmed the death in a statement, noting that standard procedures for investigating deaths in custody will be followed. "As with all death in custody, the Irish Prison Service, the Office of the Inspector of Prisons and An Garda Síochána investigate where circumstances warrant," the IPS statement indicated. The prison service further clarified that the official cause of death will ultimately be determined by the Coroner's Office following their examination. Midlands Prison, where the incident occurred, is a closed, medium-security facility designed to house adult male offenders. The institution has the capacity to accommodate up to 870 inmates. No […]
Ayoola Atitebi April 20, 2025
Easter Weekend Storm Claims Child and Adult as Historic Flooding Sweeps Oklahoma
At least two people, including a 12-year-old boy, have died in Oklahoma after their vehicle was trapped in floodwaters, as severe weather impacted the South and Midwest during Easter weekend. Flood warnings were active across Oklahoma, with the National Weather Service forecasting severe thunderstorms from east Texas into southeast Iowa and Illinois on Sunday. The agency also warned of potential strong tornadoes and damaging winds from central Arkansas into central Missouri. Police in Moore, Oklahoma, located about 18km (11 miles) south of Oklahoma City, described the situation as "a historical weather event that impacted roads and caused dozens of high-water incidents." In a statement Sunday, Moore police explained that one vehicle "left the roadway and was swept under the bridge. At the time of the incident, all but two occupants were rescued. It is with great sadness that we report […]
Ayoola Atitebi April 20, 2025
Boeing Jet Returns to US from China Amid Escalating Tariff War
A Boeing 737 MAX jet intended for Chinese airline Xiamen has returned to the United States, caught in the crossfire of rising trade tensions between the two countries. The aircraft, painted in Xiamen Airlines livery, landed at Seattle's Boeing Field on Sunday at 6:11 p.m. after making refueling stops in Guam and Hawaii during its 5,000-mile journey back from China. The plane was one of several 737 MAX jets awaiting completion and delivery to Chinese carriers at Boeing's Zhoushan center when it became entangled in recent tariff escalations. President Donald Trump recently increased baseline tariffs on Chinese imports to 145%, prompting China to retaliate with 125% tariffs on U.S. goods. These duties could prove financially devastating for Chinese airlines accepting Boeing aircraft, as a new 737 MAX has a market value of approximately $55 million, according to aviation consultancy IBA. […]
Peter Atitebi April 20, 2025
NY Governor Defies Federal Order, Congestion Pricing Continues Despite Sunday Deadline
New York City's $9 congestion toll on drivers entering Manhattan's busiest areas will remain in effect, despite the federal government's Sunday deadline to end the program. A spokesperson for New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated, "The program is working. Traffic is down, business is up, and the cameras are staying on." The U.S. Department of Transportation had previously indicated it expected New York to comply with the Sunday deadline to "terminate this program," according to a statement to NBC New York. "USDOT will continue to fight for working-class Americans whose tax dollars have already funded and paid for these roads," the department said. MTA officials told NBC New York that changes were unlikely on Sunday, noting that a federal judge has so far ruled the toll is legal. Court filings suggest the case may not be fully resolved until fall. […]
Peter Atitebi April 20, 2025
Former Dancing With The Stars Judge Julian Benson Dies at 54 After Battling with Cystic Fibrosis
Former Dancing With The Stars judge Julian Benson has died at the age of 54. The TV star, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis from an early age, died surrounded by family and friends earlier today. It brings to an end an extraordinary life in which the RTÉ star defied the odds doctors gave him as a child. At the time, his mother was told he was not expected to live into his teens. His death follows his kidney transplant last October. Speaking at the time, he said he had only had 90 minutes' notice before the surgery. Announcing his death this afternoon, his family said, "It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Julian Benson. Julian passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family and closest friends, after a courageous battle with cystic fibrosis. […]
Peter Atitebi April 19, 2025
Foreign Students Face Uncertainty as US Revokes Visas and Detains Campus Activists
Foreign students across US colleges are experiencing growing anxiety as plainclothes agents have been seen detaining students in unmarked cars, with videos of these incidents circulating on social media. Those taken into custody during these high-profile detentions have not faced criminal charges but appear targeted for involvement in pro-Palestinian campus protests. The Trump administration has repeatedly stated that visas are a "privilege" that can be revoked for various reasons. However, the scale of the crackdown appears larger than initially believed, with over 1,000 international students or recent graduates across US colleges having had their visas revoked or legal statuses changed, according to a tracker from Inside Higher Ed. Many affected students don't know why their status changed, and universities often only discover these changes when checking government databases that track international students' visa status. This combination of targeted detentions and […]
Peter Atitebi April 19, 2025
Be the first to leave a comment