Minister for Housing James Browne is set to present delayed proposals for a new national short-term lettings register to Cabinet today. The rules, which require providers to register with Fáilte Ireland and secure planning permission, are intended to shift properties from the tourism sector into the private long-term rental market to address the national housing crisis.
Did You Know? A draft report commissioned by The Housing Agency indicates there are 28,903 short-term lettings currently available in Ireland, with 32% of that total—or 9,186 properties—located in Dublin alone.
Why the register matters
The government aims to curb the use of residential properties for short-term tourism to boost housing supply. According to Department of Housing estimates from previous years, these regulations could lead to as many as 12,000 properties returning to the traditional long-term rental market. The proposed register applies to anyone offering paid accommodation for up to 21 nights, including entire properties or individual rooms.
Expert Insight: The success of this policy hinges on the delicate balance between regulating the tourism economy and meeting urgent residential demand. The disagreement between the Department of Housing and the Department of Tourism highlights the internal government tension between protecting the hospitality sector’s inventory and easing the pressure on tenants struggling to find long-term homes.
What happens next
The register is expected to become operational in December, though this timeline is contingent on the passage of the Short-Term Letting and Tourism Bill through the Oireachtas. Minister Peter Burke, who heads the Department of Tourism, has suggested a potential two-year grace period for existing operators. This administrative mechanism could allow those who have been letting properties for over seven years to ensure their planning status is compliant with the new requirements.
Regulatory context
The government initially planned to restrict short-term lets in towns with a population of 10,000, but shifted its focus in February to towns with more than 20,000 residents. The current proposal seeks to generally preclude local authorities from issuing new planning permissions for short-term lettings in cities and towns. This move follows a missed deadline, as the register was originally intended to be applicable by May 20 under European Union regulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will manage the new register?
The register will be implemented and managed by Fáilte Ireland once the necessary legislation is passed.
Which properties are covered by these rules?
The rules apply to anyone offering paid accommodation for up to 21 nights, covering both entire properties and individual rooms within a home.
What is the status of the “grace period”?
Ministers have previously failed to reach an agreement on the grace period, but Minister Peter Burke has proposed a potential two-year window for those who have been operating short-term lets for over seven years.
How do you believe the proposed grace period will impact the availability of rental properties in your local area?
