It's claimed two Dáil by-elections will go ahead on the same day as next month's local and European polls.

The Irish Independent says "coalition sources" have confirmed the decision - with the writ for the by-elections to be moved when TDs return from the Easter Break.

It comes amid reports Fine Gael will pledge to cut property taxes in urban areas as part of its manifesto.

It had been widely anticipated that the Government had been looking at holding two-Dáil by-elections on the same day as the local and European elections on May 23rd.

That now looks to have been given the go-ahead with sources in the coalition saying they want to "get it out of the way".

The two seats have been left vacant by the resignation of Independent Patrick Nulty in Dublin West - and the death of Fine Gael's Nicky McFadden in Longford-Westmeath.

It sets the stage for a so-called "Super Friday" for the Government - who will be hoping the gamble avoids the disastrous fate of a similar decision by the Fianna Fáil/Greens coalition 5 years ago.

Fine Gael believes it has a shot in both polls - and its soon-to-be-released local election manifesto is promising homeowners in urban areas they may have their property taxes reduced.

Labour's already promised a 15 per cent cut in urban areas. However, the parties committed to reducing the tax must be in control of the local council to implement it.