Fleadh Cheoil: Accommodation prices during event rise sharply
The price hikes were first reported in the Irish News, external.Another two-bedroom apartment on the Ormeau Road is listed at £5,540 for the same week in August, more than double the price charged for a week at the start of July.Alliance councillor Micky Murray said he is concerned the price increases would put tourists off visiting the city."In a week that we're showcasing the rich, cultural heritage that Belfast has to offer and celebrating the Fleadh Cheoil which is an All-Ireland festival bringing upwards of more than 800,000 people to the city.""It feels like those who manage short term lets are taking advantage of tourists."SDLP councillor Gary McKeown said it was important that visitors "go away with a positive experience"."My concern is that if there's price gouging, that may leave a bad taste if people have the perception that they're being used for a quick buck.""Whenever there are a lot of people coming into an area it means that prices generally go up, however whenever the prices go up astronomically and there's no model in place to regulate that for example and in particular around short-term lets, that's something that we have no management of as a city or as a region it's not good for tourism."Green party councillor Áine Groogan said the Fleadh coming to Belfast is "an incredible opportunity for everyone in the city and it will have economic value and will be really good for businesses and we all want to see that, but within reason and i think this is really taking the hand".
