Dublin Voters Decide on Levy for Roads, Transit, and Jobs

The Dublin City Council placed the Infrastructure and Employment Levy Referendum on the November 2026 ballot, a measure that would authorise a five-year increase in commercial rates to generate funds for transport upgrades and job training schemes affecting residents from the city centre to suburbs such as Ballymun and Rathfarnham.

The referendum arrives as Dublin City Council prepares its 2027 capital programme amid rising demand for housing and mobility options, with national figures from the Central Statistics Office showing the greater Dublin population grew by 4.8 percent between 2022 and 2025.

Effects on Employment and Construction Work

Passage of the levy would channel an estimated €85 million annually into projects including extension of the Luas Green Line to Finglas and resurfacing of 120 kilometres of local roads, work that the legislation states must prioritise contractors employing at least 60 percent local labour.

Residents in areas such as Clondalkin could see new apprenticeship places tied to these contracts, while the measure also earmarks €12 million yearly for adult education courses at existing further education centres in Coolock and Inchicore.

Changes to Services and Household Costs

The levy would apply only to commercial properties valued above €250,000, leaving residential rates unchanged, according to the text of the proposed legislation published by the council on 2 July 2026.

City budget papers for 2025 recorded €410 million spent on transport and infrastructure maintenance, a baseline the new levy is projected to supplement by 20 percent if approved, with funds released in stages beginning March 2027.

Ballot papers will be distributed to all registered voters in the four Dublin local authority areas, with results expected within 48 hours of polls closing on 26 November; if passed, the first projects must begin within nine months under the terms set by the council.