The Government has finalised its legislation creating a register of short-term lets by May 2026, managed by Fáilte Ireland for better oversight of tourist accommodation, resolving a disagreement between the two main government parties.
Hosts will need to register with Fáilte Ireland for rentals up to 21 nights and display a valid registration number in their advertisements.
The legislation, introduced by Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke, aligns with the new EU Short Term Rental Regulation adopted on 11 April 2024.
It includes measures for penalties, allowing fines up to 2% of turnover for non-compliance by online rental platforms.
Restrictions on short-term lettings will apply in towns over 10,000 residents, although primary residences can still be rented for up to 90 days each year.
“This proposal is arbitrary and will not allow planning authorities to ensure that outside rent pressure zones, the operation of legal short-term lets does not negatively impact long-term residential supply. We also believe that Government must accompany any short-term letting register with a new power for local authorities to apply administrative fines to platforms and estate agents who advertise short-term lets without the appropriate planning exemption or permission.”
