As set out in the new Policy Statement 'A new Era for Irish Tourism', which I published in December, the introduction of regulatory controls for the Short Term Letting Sector is to ensure the tourism sector develops in a way that recognises and is complementary to the wider needs of local communities, both economically and socially.
Last April, I secured Government approval for the General Scheme of the Short Term Letting and Tourism (STLT) Bill marking a commitment to establish a comprehensive register for all properties let on a short-term basis (up to and including 21 nights). Fáilte Ireland will implement and manage this register ensuring compliance with the EU Short Term Rental Regulation which comes into effect on 20 May this year.
This Government decision also set out a policy direction that proposes to generally preclude new planning permissions for short-term lets in cities and larger towns. Further to this, on 9 February last, the Cabinet Committee on Housing proposed to apply this to towns and cities with populations over 20,000 persons at the latest census, subject to Cabinet approval. These policies are part of a broader Government strategy to tackle the housing shortage by ensuring that as many suitable properties as possible are available for long-term rental.
I am pleased that the new Short-Term Letting register has been welcomed by the tourism sector and it will come into force this summer once legislation is passed. All Short-Term Letting accommodation providers will be required to register with Fáilte Ireland and display their registration number on any listing or advertisement of their property. As part of the registration process, providers will need to confirm that they are planning compliant. This means that they either have planning permission or are exempt from planning requirements.
Accommodation providers based in towns with a population of 20,000 or less at the last census, based on the census town boundaries (defined by CSO), will have two years to meet planning compliance requirements. I understand that the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is preparing planning policy guidance, and it will continue to be the case that change of use planning permission is necessary for STL, where not subject to exemptions first set out in 2019.
Accommodation providers based in towns with a population of more than 20,000 at the last census, will need to confirm planning compliance on registration, with no further lead-in period, if they wish to register their Short-Term Letting property with Fáilte Ireland.
In line with existing established rights, where it can be proven that a residential property has been operated by an STL provider for at least 7 years and no enforcement action has been taken by the planning authority, planning permission for retention may be sought.
I also understand that the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is currently finalising a National Planning Statement (NPS) under section 25 of the Planning & Development Act 2024, for short-term letting activity, which will be subject to Government approval and will give effect to this decision.
Fáilte Ireland estimates that, approximately 34,020 STL properties were advertised online in the State in October 2025, based on screen-scraped data from four major booking platforms. Up to 64% were listed as “entire” houses or apartments. This represents a 26% increase from an estimated 26,960 units in October 2022. Given this rapid growth, improved oversight and data collection are essential.
I recognise the concerns of the tourism industry. With the approach outlined, I believe we are balancing the need for rental housing stock with the need to protect rural and regional tourism and jobs. The department will continue to engage with all stakeholders.
