Opposition to mayor's proposal to introduce tourist tax in Limerick

FOUR HIGH-profile councillors have come out in opposition to a bid by Mayor John Moran to introduce a tax on people using hotels in the city.

The directly elected first citizen has sought Government’s blessing to look at the charge in a bid to boost Limerick’s economy and tourism offerings.

These taxes are common in many major European cities, with a hotel, hostel or other accommodation provider, collecting the charge from their customers.

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But it’s yet to be used in Ireland, and Mayor Moran has requested Enterprise Minister Peter Burke examine the measure.

Currently, the four local authorities in Dublin are examining how a levy could be collected, a move which has sparked a backlash from the hotels sector.

Now, four Fine Gael councillors in Limerick city have issued a statement expressing their opposition to the mayor’s idea.

Priomh-chomhairleoir Cllr Dan McSweeney, the former mayor Cllr Daniel Butler, plus councillors Sarah Kiely and Olivia O’Sullivan have described a tourist tax in Limerick as “short-sighted” and “counter-productive”.

“At a time when Limerick is gaining momentum as a vibrant, welcoming destination for both domestic and international visitors, this tax sends the wrong message and risks undermining the progress we have worked so hard to achieve.”

The council members pointed out tourism supports thousands of local jobs.

“Introducing an additional levy on visitors places unnecessary pressure on these sectors making Limerick less competitive compared to other Irish cities and regions that do not pose such a burden,” added the councillors.