Householders in the Dublin City Council area are likely to see their local property tax increase in 2026 as part of an agreement between a number of political parties on the incoming council.
The coalition of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, the Green Party and Labour says the measure will raise €14.5 million a year for the city and will be ringfenced for areas such as house maintenance, street cleaning and playgrounds.
Since the introduction of the Local Property Tax more than a decade ago, councillors have had the ability to increase or decrease the base rate of the tax by 15%.
Between 2013 and 2024 Dublin City Council has voted to keep it at its lowest possible rate of 15% below the base rate.
That is expected to continue in 2025, but under the agreement, from 2026 the coalition will vote for property taxes for those living in the Dublin City Council to increase by 15%.
The increase was proposed by the Green Party and Labour, and supported by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, in order for them to form a coalition on the Council which gives them 31 of the 63 seats. The group in talks with a number of Independent councillors for their support.
In a document entitled Delivering for Dublin, the political grouping says they will provide cohesive leadership for Dublin City Council and will focus on going “back to basics” to deal with issues such as street cleaning, the upkeep of parks and better housing in Dublin city.
They also said they want to make Dublin a vibrant, climate resilient and revitalised city, and to make it the world’s first capital to be designated as autism friendly.
The documents also say the Council will expand direct building of public and affordable housing projects on council owned sites and maximise the use of existing buildings such as above shops, office blocks and derelict sites.
There are also pledges to improve road maintenance and road safety with the expansion of 30km/h and safe school zones, increase pedestrian crossings and improve tree cover and animal welfare in the capital.
Earlier this week Sinn Féin, the Social Democrats, People Before Profit-Solidarity and a number of Independents announced they had formed a ‘Progressive Alliance’ on Dublin City Council. They said it offered a real alternative to what it described as “the conservative politics of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.”
Alliance member Sinn Féin’s Daithí Doolan said: “Our programme for the next five years aims to deliver a city for all. Tackling the housing crisis, developing safe communities, improving and expanding public services are the cornerstones of this important agreement.
“Unfortunately, the Green Party and Labour Party have not committed to supporting the Alliance. This is very shortsighted. I would strongly encourage them to support our five-year programme rather than propping up Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.”
The new members of Dublin City Council meet for the first time this evening in City Hall to elect the Lord Mayor and it’s expected that Fine Gael Councillor James Geoghegan will be elected to the office for the next year.
