Visitor Levy on Paid Overnight Accommodation: Motion
Seanad Éireann — 2026-06-24
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Shane Curley (FF), Cultural and Educational Panel

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as ucht teacht isteach don díospóireacht seo. I commend Senator Mary Fitzpatrick on bringing this conversation to the House. It is good to have it. Similar to Senator Boyhan, I was a councillor. One of the biggest frustrations I had was the lack of power councillors had at local level to run their own local authorities. I found it very frustrating, in particular in terms of county development plans, local area plans and things being overridden by the Government after local consideration had been given to matters that would affect one local area. Any measure that gives more power to bring money into an area is a positive step.
I do not think any local authority member would ever envisage or countenance introducing a measure that would damage the local economy. That is something we need to remember. No levy will be placed on a business that puts a business out of business. I would not see it happening. If there was ever a danger of it happening, local authority members would be lobbied so hard that they would double back on the measure very quickly and make sure that the right thing was done.
I want to speak strongly in favour of the motion. It is a good idea from Senator Fitzpatrick. Anything that gives power back to local authorities and members to administer the running of their local authorities is a good idea and I want to speak in favour of it.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-06-24/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:55:06+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-06-24