Housing Minister to Present Delayed Short-Term Letting Register to Cabinet Today

The Minister for Housing will present controversial, delayed proposals for a short-term lettings register to Cabinet today. The Government previously agreed to restrict short-term lets in towns with populations over 20,000. These new rules require short-term accommodation providers, including those using Airbnb, to register with Fáilte Ireland and secure appropriate planning permission to shift properties towards long-term use, addressing the housing crisis.

Minister James Browne had aimed for an earlier launch, but plans stalled due to disagreements between his department and the Department of Tourism, led by Peter Burke. An EU regulation mandated the register be applicable by May 20. The register will apply to paid accommodation for up to 21 nights, covering entire properties or rooms.

Mr. Browne will seek Cabinet approval for the National Planning Statement, empowering planning authorities to assess short-term let applications. He will also share a Housing Agency report indicating 28,903 short-term lets in Ireland, with cities accounting for 40% and Dublin 9,186 (32%). The report used Airbnb data. Mr. Browne will advise precluding new planning permissions for short-term lets in cities and towns, prioritizing private rental market returns over tourism.

The register is expected to be operational in December, pending legislation from Minister Burke passing through the Oireachtas. Mr. Burke’s Short-Term Letting and Tourism Bill provides the statutory basis for the register, to be managed by Fáilte Ireland. The Department of Housing previously estimated up to 12,000 properties could return to the long-term market. A two-year grace period is proposed for existing short-term let owners.