Time to Reopen Revenue Help Desk

Closure of Dundalk Revenue Office 'Makes No Sense' – Time to Reopen for Our Community

As a Dundalk councillor, I am frustrated that we our Revenue office isn't as proactive as it could be. I have already flagged concerns I have with Revenue oversight regarding the proliferation of various Vape shops, barbers shops and corner shops that don’t seem to have a lot of customers!

Recently I joined with Cllr Reilly to point out that the Revenue office in town does not have a customer service help desk; despite having a modern, purpose-built facility, people are being forced to manage complex tax and revenue matters online or travel elsewhere, which simply doesn’t make sense.

Together with my colleague Cllr John Reilly, we have written directly to Revenue requesting an urgent meeting with the local management team. We want clear answers on why this state-of-the-art office remains locked to the people it is supposed to serve.

Dundalk is a major regional town, and vital public services like this should be easily accessible here. The decision to withdraw face-to-face support disadvantages many in our community — particularly elderly residents and those who are not comfortable with digital systems. Not everyone can navigate Revenue’s online portals, and complex issues often require direct, personal assistance.

I agree with Cllr Reilly that it is particularly illogical that Revenue can send staff to the Citizens Advice Bureau once a month for face-to-face engagement, yet cannot open their own dedicated office in Dundalk. If they recognise the clear need for in-person support, then keeping our local office closed makes no sense at all.

We have a modern building sitting idle that should be actively providing a public service. Instead, it remains underused while local people face unnecessary barriers when dealing with the State.

I will continue to push this issue strongly on behalf of the people of Dundalk. Revenue must reopen the office to the public and engage properly with local representatives to ensure essential services are restored and accessible to everyone who needs them.

This is about basic fairness and proper public service delivery. The people of Dundalk deserve better.

Cllr Ciarán Fisher