At the October Council meeting South Dublin councillors voted to reduce the Local Property Tax by the maximum 15%. People Before Profit councillor Madeleine Johansson expressed her support for the reduction of the tax.
With the cost of living steadily rising, Councillor Johansson believes it is crucial to provide relief to hardworking families and individuals who are grappling with the economic impacts of these changes. The proposed reduction is a strategic step towards supporting local residents in the face of financial challenges exacerbated by recent developments.
One of the key arguments put forth by Councillor Johansson is the disconnect between the Local Property Tax and an individual’s ability to pay. “The tax burden should not disproportionately fall on the shoulders of our residents, especially when it is not directly tied to their financial capacities,” she emphasized. The councillor is pushing for a fairer system that takes into account the economic realities faced by the diverse population of South Dublin. She suggested at the meeting that a wealth tax on the richest 5% in Ireland could raise approximately €5.9 billion.
In addition to the increased cost of living, Johansson highlights the soaring energy bills and other household expenses that residents are grappling with. “We cannot ignore the fact that energy prices and basic living costs are on the rise. Our duty as representatives is to mitigate the impact on our community members,” she declared.
