Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
HOUSING MINISTER SIMON COVENEY has said he will be forced to introduce regulations for Airbnb if a memorandum of understanding cannot be reached with the company.
Coveney met with Airbnb bosses recently to discuss the role the company plays in Ireland’s rental market.
He wants to curtail property owners choosing to rent to guests for short stays rather than to long-term tenants.
The number of hosts in Dublin has shot up in the past number of years – with a 100% rise in just a year.
A total of 6,100 hosts let out part or all of their properties at some point for guests in 2016, compared to 2,960 hosts between October 2014 and September 2015.
People using the Airbnb service to host guests in their homes in Dublin collectively earned €52 million last year, according to a new report commissioned by the company.
Time limits
Recently, a number of major cities around the world have clamped down on the use of Airbnb.
Hosts in Berlin are only permitted to rent out their property for 50% of the year, while Amsterdam imposed a limit of 60 nights per year.
Is Ireland likely to go down the same road?
“Well, lets wait and see what the discussion with Airbnb results in,” the minister told TheJournal.ie yesterday.
I would be hopeful we would be able to put in some memorandum of understanding that can make it very clear that those who want to use Airbnb need to do so responsibly.
“We don’t want to be facilitating the use of the Airbnb platform on a commercial basis, in a way that undermines the rental market,” said Coveney.
If we get a satisfactory arrangement in place with them, and I think we can, then I don’t think I will need to legislate or to introduce regulations. If we can’t do that, then obviously I will be forced to do that.
Temple Bar property
Last year, such use of short-term lettings hit the headlines when An Bord Pleanála upheld a Dublin City Council (DCC) ruling that an apartment owner in Temple Bar needed to apply for planning permission if they wanted to continue to rent the property out via Airbnb.
The apartment on Crown Alley in the middle of Dublin’s busiest tourist area reportedly made €79,000 in one year from renting out to visitors, rather than one long-term tenant.
Following the ruling, Coveney vowed to tackle the issue of landlords renting out their properties through Airbnb.
The minister issued guidelines to local authorities with a specific focus on those in urban areas where the housing and rental crisis is most acute.
Following his meeting with the website’s bosses, he said the government and Airbnb committed to work together to ensure that people are not using the platform for commercial use without having the proper planning permission in place.
Use on a commercial basis
The minister told TheJournal.ie that many people use the lettings platform on a short-term basis for a number of weeks or months in a year.
However, he said that to purchase properties to let them out on the AirBnb site – using them almost as B&B or hostel-style accommodation – is not right.
That, in my view, is not the spirit of what should be happening through that platform and I think they [Airbnb] agree with that and we are going to look to try and end that.
He said those who use the website and have tenants on a rolling basis are required to apply for a “change of use in planning permission” for the home.
“Because essentially their private residence or apartment is being used on a commercial basis, just like a B&B would be. Airbnb recognise that – they want their platform to be seen as a positive [addition] to the Irish accommodation discussion.”
He added that AirBnb is a very positive thing for many homeowners and visitors to this country.
“I wouldn’t like to undermine that, particularly in a country that relies on so many people coming and going for weekend breaks and so on.”
The minister added that he does not want to see owners bypassing tenancy arrangements by using the Airbnb platform as a commercial business.
“That isn’t how the platform should be used and I think the company recognise that.”
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Anythings better than the constant rain! Gardens like a swamp add in a labrador, two cats and cream tiles
Ohh I hear u Susan LLyod my Floors are destroyed 2dogs and a cat
A mop and its grand. It’s when they jump on the bed with muddy paws…
Dogs shouldn’t be allowed in the house.
You shouldn’t be allowed in the house.
I love pure winter days.. really cold n frosty in d morn with the Sun in the afternoon.. Bliss
Perfect weather for getting out and climbing a few mountains.
Are you lot mental
No doubt they will be out in force, hill walkers I mean and the emergency services stretched to their limits once more.
With a hint of napalm in the mornings? lol.
I don’t find your comment funny, people can die on the mountains and families are left to deal with the heartbreak.
Currently climbing a mountain now.
Surprised you have coverage !
Yeah break / sprain your leg on the ice, needlessly call out rescue services & put more lives ar risk.
Sturdy set of boots and a modicum of cop on and you’ll be fine.
I would suggest Meindl boots.
Bit pricy. I paid €240 for mine 6 years ago but their going strong.
Snowball. You wont get that in Ireland slush, roads impassable, no sand, ask the Government and they will say “we are ready” the Hospitals will be even mire overcrowded with People falling.
A nice Spring day would suit better.
*more*
You musnt be having much fun on your hike if you’re on your phone checking out The Journal !!!
Thought the whole point of hiking was getting away from it all ???
Yeah but I was instagramming to prove I was climbing or else it would be a waste.
I believe that
Ya wouldn’t be long getting frostbit
Hopefully a cold snap will kill off the bugs making people sick
Bleedin bitter it is
Grand auld stretch in the evenings though
Its beginning to feel a bit like a New Year
And there will still be hero’s in shorts .
I already miss our 15 degrees winter.
If you were in Athlone you would not be saying that
Aurora Borealis?! At this time of year?!? In this part of the country!?
Located ENTIRELY in your kitchen?
Yes
May I see it?
No.
Steamed hams all round!
Too warm.
Minus 20 and we would have lovely ski slopes in Connemara.
Like Austria and Switzerland.
We are nearer the North Pole than they are.
Damned warm Atlantic is stopping us from having ski-slopes.
I read that as Adam West
Adam West is stopping you from having ski slopes?
So all that flood water is going to freeze? Next week special in Aldi, Ice skates just €20
Hopefully it will help dry the place up.
Weeeeee… O its frozen lol.
Wow…MINUS 5…is that like colder than minus 5.
This is exactly what is required and has been for a long time, as mild temperatures are the reason for the flooding…and yes it is January so it is still winter..doh!!
Second bellybutton weather guys!
Stibby ??
Ahhhh got you now!!
I was hoping i wouldn’t have to explain myself lol
At least it will be dry!
IN JANUARY?
Should be March / April time lol.
Roll on “Jasus it’s freezin’ but at least it’s dry”
Let it go let it gooo hahahaha
Elsa are you at it again !!
Basted Fianna fáil
Its Ireland we’re living in. This is normal January weather. If you expect anything else you’re living in the wrong country.
I blame the Government !
Irish weather – no idea how ye stick it. Nice & warm here today in Brisbane. About 28°C I’d say. Can’t handle the cold any more.
Time for a trip to the canaries,I’ve alway said it ,”if the canaries were only an hours flight away,and had the same good weather, there’d be no one left in Ireland ” damp arthritis that goes with living in this country.
have your say