Planning Permission Curbs Short-Term Lets in Big Towns
Struggling Irish renters face relief as government cracks down on short-term lets removing homes from long-term market.
The Irish Government plans to limit short-term lets in towns over 20,000 residents, targeting planning permission compliance. Leaders agreed in principle after talks with Tourism Minister Peter Burke. Short-term lets cover stays up to 21 nights, often holiday rentals or city breaks.
From May 20, 2026, all such lets require Fáilte Ireland registration, including a unique number on listings. Platforms like Airbnb must delist non-compliant properties or risk fines up to 2% of Irish turnover. Hosts confirm planning permission adherence yearly via the national portal.
In cities and larger towns, these rules aim to shift properties back to housing stock amid shortages. The Department of Housing prepares guidelines, with Oireachtas review soon. Smaller areas avoid curbs to support tourism where hotel builds lag.
Tourism voices like Irish Tourism Industry Confederation seek grace periods, up to nine months, for compliance. They note urban needs differ from rural spots lacking beds. Sinn Féin calls it a renter win, boosting long-term supply during crisis.
Existing rules cap whole-home lets at 90 nights yearly in rent pressure zones, but enforcement gaps persist. The Short Term Letting and Tourism Bill 2025 enforces this, aligning with EU mandates by 2026. Hosts should verify An Bord Pleanála decision or local rules now.
Impacts extend to housing scheme approval processes, ensuring developments prioritize residents over tourists. Material changes demand checks on flood-risk development or environmental impact in affected zones. Owners in Dublin and similar hubs prepare for tighter scrutiny.
Registration excludes hotels, hostels, and campsites, focusing on homes and apartments. Fáilte Ireland urges pre-launch clarification on building, fire safety, and planning permission. This balances tourism growth with housing emergency needs.
Towns above the threshold, like those nearing 20,000 population, face assessment for restrictions. Minister Burke stresses viability issues for new hotels outside cities, planning 2026 workarounds. Capacity for extra visitors remains key.
Owners weigh options: convert to long-term or register compliantly. Uncertainty lingers until bill passes and guidelines drop. Regional Ireland protects holiday homes, prioritizing local tourism gaps.
Originally reported in RTE.ie on Wed, 11 Feb 2026 09:50:27 +0000. Full story
