Short-Term Letting and Tourism Bill Progresses to Establish National Register
Thursday 12 November 2026
The Dáil has debated the Short-Term Letting and Tourism Bill 2026, which provides statutory backing for a Fáilte Ireland register amid questions over planning guidelines.
The Government is progressing the Short-Term Letting and Tourism Bill 2026 through the Dáil to enable Fáilte Ireland to launch a national register in December.
Speaking in the Dáil, Minister Peter Burke confirmed the legislation provides the statutory basis for regulatory controls and a national register for short-term lets. The measure is also intended to fulfill Ireland's obligations under the EU short-term rental regulation, which came into effect on 20 May 2026.
Minister Burke stated that the general scheme was approved in April 2025 and referred to the Joint Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment in June 2025. He noted that under Oireachtas guidelines reformed in 2022, pre-legislative scrutiny has a standard eight-week timeframe. The Department waited nearly 11 months past the expected December 2025 deadline before advancing the Bill without a committee report.
According to the Minister, the legislation seeks to maintain rural tourism accommodation while restoring residential properties to the long-term rental market in 25 towns and cities experiencing significant housing pressure.
Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh criticised the decision to advance the legislation through Committee, Report, and Final Stages without the joint committee's report. She argued that the committee could not conclude its pre-legislative scrutiny without the accompanying national planning guidelines.
In response, Minister Burke stated that his remit covers the tourism register, while responsibility for the planning aspects and planning statement rests with Minister Browne.