- ISCF raised concerns about STR planning system
- Register for STR expected by December
- JOC sign off and Bill publication outstanding
- No consultation with STR industry since June 2025
- Empty buildings in Dublin not used for housing
The Short Term Letting and Tourism Bill, published on 6 October, requires hosts offering paid stays of up to 21 nights to register with Fáilte Ireland and obtain planning permission.
The register opens on 1 December 2026 with registration required by 31 December. Industry leaders including the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation warn the rules could reduce short term let stock, particularly in rural areas that already face hotel shortages, with potential impacts on tourism capacity.
The Irish Self Catering Federation has raised concerns about planning for existing short-term rental businesses. The organisation has called for balance, fairness, and proportionality in the planning system. Questions remain about the future of SME family holiday lets in towns above 20,000 population.
A Register for STR in line with EU regulations will be in place by December according to a press release. The JOC sign off on the Register for STR Bill and associated National Planning Statement remains outstanding. The Register for STR Bill has not been published. The National Planning Statement from the Department of Housing referred to in the press release has not been issued.
The National Planning Statement did not have engagement from the sector. There was no facility to get planning in RPZ areas since 2019 and all areas from June 2025. No consultation or talks with the STR industry or ITIC have taken place since June 2025. Empty buildings exist across Dublin city with no plans to use them for housing needs.
Owners of historic properties have raised concerns about the Short Term Letting and Tourism Bill. Historic Houses of Ireland argues that ice houses, gate lodges and farmhouses are rarely suited to long term housing and that planning requirements could harm heritage tourism experiences, museums and community benefits linked to these sites. An exemption for such properties has been suggested.
