Cork could net €18.5m annually from €5-a-night tourist levy, study finds

Tax could generate an estimated €20.8m for Kerry council, €8.2m in Galway County, and €5.7m in Waterford

The analysis was based on Fáilte Ireland figures showing 225,098 registered bed spaces nationwide as of January. The estimate does not include bed and breakfasts, short-term lets, or on-campus student accommodation. File picture: Larry Cummins

A €5-a-night tourist tax could raise almost €18.5m a year for Cork City and County Councils, according to new research from the University of Galway.

The study found that a fixed tax of €5 per person per night could generate almost €220m annually for local authorities nationwide, while a €1 charge would raise about €44m.