Airbnb Regulation Delayed Past May 20th Deadline Amid "Grandfathering" Clause Dispute

Efforts to reform Ireland's short-term letting sector, including the introduction of a new register for operators, are significantly delayed past the May 20th deadline. The delay stems from disagreements over a «grandfathering» clause for long-term Airbnb operators without planning permission.

The Government's two-step approach involves a national planning statement from the Department of Housing and the Short Term Letting and Tourism Bill from the Department of Enterprise. A two-year grace period was agreed for operators without planning in towns under 20,000 population, but the treatment of long-term operators (over seven years) without planning remains unresolved. The Department of Housing suggested an administrative basis for these operators, but the Department of Enterprise sought an alternative, now under discussion with the Attorney General.

Sources within Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael blame coalition partners for the holdup. Fine Gael's Department of Enterprise is accused of shifting goalposts, while they argue the initial proposal was inadequate. Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns criticized the Government for four years of inaction, stating the May 20th deadline is missed and homes won't return to the long-term rental market soon. She highlighted that the initial plan to restrict short-term lets to towns of 10,000+ was abandoned, raising the bar to 20,000+ due to lobbying.

The Taoiseach stated they are «nearly there» with the Short Term Letting and Tourism Bill, which will establish the register and restrict new planning commissions for short-term lets in cities and large towns. He acknowledged «pushback» from Airbnb operators in areas like west Cork and Kerry.