The Great Rates Robbery 1972

Demonstration at Dublin City Hall as rates soar.

Dublin City Commissioner John Garvin describes the valuation system for rates in Dublin as archaic. He says that a revaluation of rates would just result only in shifting responsibility from one individual to another.

The rates of £5.99, an increase of 59 pence was struck by Dublin City Commissioner Matthew Macken at a public meeting in City Hall.

Protesters outside City Hall held placards with "Macken Out" and described the new rates being charged as "The Great Rates Robbery".

An RTÉ News report broadcast on 20 March 1972. The reporter is Paddy Smith.