Just 26 towns are affected by the Irish Government decision to raise the population threshold for strict regulations on short-term lets from 10,000 to 20,000 residents, exempting smaller towns from requirements for planning permissions on properties rented for over 90 days annually or short stays.
This adjustment, announced by Tourism Minister Peter Burke, aims to protect rural tourism economies while addressing urban housing shortages.
The change could benefit platforms like Airbnb by reducing regulatory burdens in mid-sized areas, potentially sustaining tourism revenue but intensifying housing pressures in larger centres, with the Irish Self-Catering Federation likely viewing it as a safeguard for sector viability.
The change affects just 26 towns
| Malahide-DB | 18,608 | Wicklow-WK | 12,957 |
| Clonmel-TP | 18,369 | Enniscorthy-WX | 12,310 |
| Carrigaline-CK | 18,239 | Cavan-CN | 11,741 |
| Maynooth-KD | 17,259 | Gorey-WX | 11,517 |
| Leixlip-KD | 16733 | Tramore-WT | 11,277 |
| Ashbourne-MH | 15680 | Athy-KD | 11035 |
| Laytown-Bettystown-MH | 15,642 | Longford-LD | 10,952 |
| Tullamore-OY | 15,598 | Rush-DB | 10,875 |
| Killarney-KY | 14,412 | Portmarnock-DB | 10,750 |
| Cobh-CK | 14,148 | Skerries-DB | 10,743 |
| Midleton-CK | 13,906 | Ballina-MY | 10,556 |
| Mallow-CK | 13,456 | Kildare-KD | 10,302 |
| Arklow-WK | 13399 | Shannon -CE | 10,256 |
| Castlebar-MY | 13,054 | Dungarvan-WT | 10,081 |
