Tourist bed tax: Taoiseach needs to commit, say Greens

The Green Party has called on the Taoiseach to firm up his commitment to a hotel bed tax, following reports today that he is “not opposed” to the measure.

Similar charges are in place across 18 EU countries, typically at low rates, but going as high as 12.5% of the hotel bill in Amsterdam.

The Green Party is calling for councils to decide their own rate, to support services like street cleaning and new parks, which will benefit tourists and residents alike. A similar recommendation was made by the government’s own Commission on Taxation and Welfare in 2022.

A Dublin City Council report found that a minimal 1% hotel bed charge would raise €12m for the city - the equivalent of 250 full-time street cleaners.

For example, a 1% charge would mean for a single adult:

• €1.44 in Buswell’s Hotel by the Dáil
• €2.10 in the Rochestown Park Hotel in the Taoiseach’s constituency
• €1.80 on the national average daily room rate.

Green Party finance spokesperson, Cllr. Michael Pidgeon said:

“It’s time for the Taoiseach to commit to a hotel bed tax and stow his concerns in the overhead compartment.

“Most countries around Europe have such a charge, helping towns and cities to clean up their streets and improve facilities for tourists and residents alike.

“A 1% charge on a hotel bill won’t make or break a holiday or business trip - yet it could make a real difference.

“Dublin’s four councils have already indicated their strong support for such a measure. We should let councils set their own hotel bed tax rate, so they can tailor the tax to their local needs.

“It’s really positive that the Taoiseach has said he isn’t opposed - now he just needs to land in favour.”