Raising €200m through a visitor levy
Summary
Dr. Gerard Turley from the University of Galway discusses a proposed visitor levy across Ireland, which could raise over £200 million for local authorities. The conversation covers the economic balance of setting a reasonable rate, the logistical challenges of exemptions, and the importance of ring-fencing funds for local infrastructure. They also address public concerns about tourist behavior and the risk of the levy becoming a general tax rather than a targeted local revenue source.
Topics discussed
Introduction: New visitor levy research from University of Galway
Potential revenue estimates for local authorities
Balancing the levy rate to avoid deterring tourists
Who should be liable: domestic vs international visitors
Argument for a broad-based, low-rate tax structure
Listener feedback on tourist behavior in Temple Bar
Ring-fencing funds for local infrastructure and services
Risk of funds being absorbed into central government revenue
Local opt-in process and difficulty of changing rates
Closing remarks and sign-off
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