Dublin City Council removes 200 short-term let lockboxes

The council removed 222 lockboxes from public streets at a cost of less than €5,000
Removals began in April of the previous year due to health and safety tripping hazards
High removal numbers occurred in Smithfield, Temple Bar and Portobello areas
Mannix Flynn called for stronger measures including a sting operation with Revenue Commissioners
The council acknowledged that boxes often reappear after removal despite a slight decrease in numbers

Dublin City Council has removed and shredded more than 200 lockboxes used for short-term holiday lets across the city as part of an ongoing enforcement campaign. The council began the removals in April of the previous year due to health and safety risks including trips and falls. Up to the beginning of June it had taken away 222 boxes at a cost of less than €5,000.

The boxes, often attached to poles, bike stands and street signage in the public domain, allow self check-in for holiday apartments without hosts meeting guests. Removals have been highest in the southeast and central areas, with high numbers cut down in Smithfield, Temple Bar and Portobello. The council gave owners a six-week warning period before the cleanup started.

Independent councillor Mannix Flynn supported the action but called for stronger measures against illegal short-term lets. He noted that some operators simply relocate boxes to less visible spots and urged the council to check box contents for identifying details before destruction. Flynn also suggested a possible sting operation in cooperation with the Revenue Commissioners to target properties operating without planning permission. The council reported a slight decrease in lockbox numbers since enforcement started yet acknowledged that boxes often reappear after removal.