Government climbdown on proposals to regulate short-term lets
The Government is rowing back on its proposals to strictly regulate short-term lets, with restrictions now set to apply to towns with a population of more than 20,000.Previously, restrictions were due to apply to any town with a population of 10,000 or more.The new rules will prevent homeowners from renting out properties on a short-term basis for more than 90 days per year if they live in a town with a population greater than 20,000.Last month, the Irish Examiner revealed that at least three-quarters of properties advertised for short-term lets are either empty or underoccupied at any given time.Enterprise minister Peter Burke confirmed the change had been agreed by Government leaders on Monday night, saying the coalition needs to be “cognisant” of tourism towns that have low hotel capacity.Concerns about the original plans had been raised by both children’s minister Norma Foley and junior forestry minister Michael Healy-Rae.Speaking on his way into Cabinet, Mr Burke denied the changes had come amid lobbying from Ms Foley and Mr Healy-Rae.“I’ve been working across the tourism sector for the last number of months and first of all, they need certainty.“Secondly, we have to be very cognisant and understanding that there are a number of areas right across the country that do not have the capacity in hotel accommodation.” Mr Burke said it is important to “keep rural tourism alive” and he is seeking to strike a balance, saying that over half of short-term lets are in the five cities.“Whether you’re looking at the Wild Atlantic Way, the western seaboard, Leitrim or Roscommon, smaller areas that have a lot of tourist attractions but the capacity isn’t there.” The timeframe for the introduction of the new rules is still this May.Despite Mr Burke insisting changes were not made due to internal pressures, Mr Healy-Rae did claim credit for the policy change.In a post on Instagram, Mr Healy-Rae said he had been “working hard at Government level” to ensure the rules on short-term lets are fair.“I was very clear from the outset, a one-size-fits-all policy would have caused real damage in rural Ireland, where family-run self-catering, farm diversification and tourism income support local jobs and services year-round.“This change shows why it matters to have strong rural Independent voices at the Government table to make sure national policies are shaped by lived experience, not just theory.”
