New short term let rules

Louth Councillor, Erin McGreehan, called for Government action with regard to enforcing the new short term letting legislation.

Councillor McGreehan noted that Louth County Council have requested for two additional staff in order to comply with the legislation that came into effect last July. Under the rules in place since July 1st any non-principal private homes used for short term lettings must apply for planning permissions while principal primary residencies used for short term lettings are subject to a 90-night limit and owners must notify the local authority.

‘ To date Louth County Council have not received the additional staff they requested and an FOI compiled by Deputy Darragh O’Brien showed that no additional staff are in place in 17 out of 18 affected local authorities to enforce the new laws regarding long term AirBnB and other short-term lettings.’

McGreehan said that these rules are ‘necessary to ensure that units are kept in the rental market, open up opportunities for first time buyers and protect communities from being transformed into holiday home centres.

‘ There is a balance that needs to be found between short-term holiday letting and a sustainable tourist industry. Tourism is a very important part of our local economy but it cannot be detrimental to the resident’s quality of life and I hope that this balance can be met when this legislation is enforced’.

Cllr McGreehan concluded ‘in order to enforce the legislation the Councils need the full resources. I also believe that the laws should be reviewed after 12 months in order to establish whether they are effective and fair to make sure they are fit for purpose.’