Housing Minister James Browne to Present Short-Term Let Legislation to Cabinet Tuesday

Housing Minister James Browne is scheduled to present legislation concerning short-term lets to the Cabinet on Tuesday. This proposed legislation will establish a register for short-term accommodations, such as those offered via Airbnb, aligning with new European Union regulations that became effective in May.

Under the new requirements, individuals providing paid accommodation for periods up to 21 nights will be mandated to register each unit with Fáilte Ireland. This applies whether the offering is an entire property or a single room within a residence. Applicants for the register must affirm that their space adheres to all statutory obligations, including obtaining planning permission where necessary.

Reports indicate internal Cabinet disagreements regarding the legislation, specifically concerning its geographical scope and its potential impact on communities reliant on tourism. A Housing Agency Report, utilizing Airbnb data, estimated a total of 28,903 short-term lets across Ireland, with urban areas accounting for approximately 40% of this national figure. Dublin alone represents 9,186 short-term lets, or 32% of the total.

Notably, new planning permissions for short-term lets will not be required in cities and towns with populations exceeding 20,000, according to the most recent Census. This exemption covers major urban centers like Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford, and Galway, in addition to 20 other large towns. Furthermore, for residential properties that have operated as short-term lets for a minimum of seven years without any enforcement action, retrospective planning permission for retention can be pursued.