Short-term letting register legislation progresses through Dáil Second Stage
Thursday 5 November 2026
Legislation establishing a national register for short-term accommodation rentals of up to 21 consecutive nights has been introduced in the Dáil, designating Fáilte Ireland as the regulatory authority.
The Government has progressed legislation requiring short-term accommodation hosts in Ireland to register with Fáilte Ireland under a new national regulatory system.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke introduced the Short-Term Letting and Tourism Bill 2026 to the Dáil at Second Stage. The proposed legislation creates a statutory registration framework for short-term rentals covering stays of up to 21 consecutive nights, fulfilling obligations under the EU Short-Term Rental Regulation that took effect on 20 May.
Under the bill, Fáilte Ireland is designated as the competent authority responsible for maintaining the national register and operating the single digital entry point required by European Union law. The agency will oversee data collection and information sharing across the sector.
Host and platform requirements
All hosts offering short-term rental services will be required to complete an online registration with Fáilte Ireland. A nominal fee of €25 will apply, and Fáilte Ireland will issue a unique registration number for each registered unit. Hosts must display this registration number on every advertisement and listing for the accommodation.
Online booking platforms will also face statutory obligations, including:
- Displaying valid registration numbers on all listings
- Conducting random checks on advertisements
- Submitting specified rental activity data to Fáilte Ireland
- Removing or disabling access to listings where required by law
Enforcement and housing context
Minister Burke noted that Fáilte Ireland estimates showed approximately 31,770 short-term letting properties advertised across Ireland's two largest booking platforms as of September 2026. The legislation aims to give public authorities the data needed to monitor the sector and support broader policy goals, including prioritising long-term residential housing in areas experiencing housing pressures.
The bill establishes a graduated enforcement regime. Fáilte Ireland will have the power to appoint registration officers and authorised officers with powers to conduct inspections, carry out investigations, and demand records. Host contraventions may result in fixed payment notices or summary offences, while online platforms will face administrative sanctions that can be referred to an independent panel of adjudication officers.