Closure of Dundalk Revenue office 'makes no sense' amid calls for its reopening
Dundalk councillors John Reilly and Ciarán Fisher have called for the office in the town to be reopened
Dundalk-based councillors have voiced strong concern and frustration over the continued closure of the Revenue Office in Dundalk to the public, despite the existence of a modern, purpose-built facility.
Cllrs John Reilly and Ciarán Fisher said they have written directly to Revenue requesting a meeting with the local management team at the Dundalk Revenue Office to discuss the ongoing lack of public access and to seek a clear explanation for the situation.
Cllr Reilly, who previously tabled a motion on the issue to Louth County Council, said the current approach is deeply frustrating, particularly for elderly members of the community and others who are not computer literate.
“It is extremely frustrating that Revenue can send staff to the Citizens Advice Bureau once a month yet cannot open their own state-of-the-art office here in Dundalk.”
“We have a modern building that should be providing a public service, but instead it remains locked," he said.
He added that many people still rely on face-to-face interaction when dealing with complex Revenue matters.
“Not everyone can navigate online systems. Elderly people, in particular, are being disadvantaged, and that simply is not acceptable," he said.
Cllr Fisher echoed these concerns, stating that Dundalk, as a major regional town, should not be seeing vital public services withdrawn.
“If Revenue recognises the need for face-to-face engagement by attending the Citizens Advice Bureau, then it makes no sense that their own office remains closed to the public,” he said.
Both councillors called on Revenue to reopen the Dundalk office to the public and to engage meaningfully with local representatives to ensure essential State services are accessible to all.
They have confirmed they will continue to pursue this issue on behalf of the people of Dundalk until a satisfactory outcome is achieved.