Oireachtas Committee Expresses Concern Over Delay in Short-Term Let Register Implementation
The Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment has written to Minister James Browne, concerned about delays in implementing a new short-term let register. Intended to alleviate the housing crisis by converting properties to long-term use, the register was due May 20 but faces legislative hurdles, leaving tourism-reliant communities uncertain.
The Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment has formally written to Minister for Housing James Browne, expressing significant concerns regarding the delayed introduction of a new register for short-term rental properties.
This register, designed to convert more Airbnb-style accommodations into long-term housing to mitigate the ongoing housing crisis, was initially scheduled to become operational on May 20. However, current projections suggest it will not be active for the upcoming tourist season, as the foundational legislation remains in the drafting phase.
James O'Connor, Fianna Fáil Cork East TD and chair of the committee, stated, «Rural communities heavily reliant on tourism income have been left in limbo, which is deeply unfair.» For the register to take effect, the Department of Housing must issue a National Planning Statement, and the Department of Enterprise and Tourism must advance a Short-Term Letting and Tourism Bill.
Ongoing negotiations between the two departments aim to resolve the impasse. The Department of Enterprise reportedly believes substantial work is still required before the February announcement can be fully implemented. Following a private meeting, the Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise emphasized the urgency for Minister Browne to clarify the status of the National Planning Statement. The committee's letter to the Minister underscores that the statement's publication is essential for their pre-legislative scrutiny of the proposed measure. Towns with populations under 20,000 will be exempt from these new regulations, yet TDs representing tourism-dependent constituencies continue to voice apprehension about the proposals.