FF Moves City Council Motion to Oppose Property Tax in Dublin

Dublin’s City Councillors have an opportunity tonight to stand up for ordinary homeowners in Dublin by voting for a motion opposing the introduction of a value based property tax.  Councillors on the largest local authority in the country can send a clear message to their colleagues in government, as they prepare to introduce  a punitive, anti-Dublin property tax, that they will defend Dublin homeowners by opposing a value base property tax.

Fianna Fáil group leader, Cllr Mary Fitzpatrick, has tabled a motion for the council’s monthly meeting (Monday, October 1st) opposing the introduction of a value based property tax on the grounds that it is unfair, anti-urban, undermines local government and is uncollectable.

Cllr. Mary Fitzpatrick said: “It is clear to anyone who is in touch with what is happening in this city that this is the wrong tax at the wrong time.

“A value based property tax is unfair and there is no indication from Fine Gael and Labour that they will take into account people’s ability to pay.  In fact the Government has sought to shut down debate on the property tax altogether.  Michael Noonan simply said he’ll be releasing the details on Budget Day.  That is totally unacceptable.  We live in a democracy and people have a right to know when the government is considering a damaging and unfair tax.

“We in Fianna Fáil are mobilising a campaign across the city to inform people of the consequences of allowing Fine Gael and Labour to hit thousands of families with extra taxes just because they live in Dublin.

Councillor Fitzpatrick concluded: “Councillors from all parties and independents can vote in support of our motion against the introduction of this tax and send a clear message to the government – the people of Dublin don’t want this tax and they can’t afford it.  I am calling on Fine Gael and Labour councillors to stand with the people of this city and against their government masters and oppose this tax.”