Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 January 2024
297. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the legislative process for new rental properties (details supplied) rule will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3793/24]
View answerIn accordance with the Technical Regulations Information System (TRIS) EU Directive 2015/1535, the proposed Short Term Tourism Letting (STTL) Bill remains with the EU Commission. TRIS requires EU Member States to notify the Commission of any draft technical regulations concerning products and information society services before they are adopted in national law. Such a notification triggers a standstill period during which the proposed Bill cannot be enacted.
This standstill period remains in place, having been extended since the previous extension date, 22 December 2023.
The EU Commission extended the standstill period as it considered that the STTL Bill concerns a matter covered in part by the Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on data collection and sharing relating to short-term accommodation rental services and amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1724 of 7 November 2022 (EU STR).
My officials have continued to consistently engage with the EU Commission and as most recently as this week, there has been engagement between officials and the EU Commission Directorate. As part of this ongoing engagement, officials from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) and representatives from Fáilte Ireland have also met with representatives of the Commission.
A positive response from the Commission, which is hoped for shortly, and the clarity now on the EU STR should allow the legislative process to commence soon with enactment of the Bill in the period shortly thereafter.
The enactment of the STTL Bill will provide the statutory basis for Fáilte Ireland to establish the STTL register. Once established all properties in the STTL sector will have to be registered with Fáilte Ireland. Upon registration STTL proprietors will be asked to confirm their compliance with statutory obligations, including planning permission requirements.
The DHLGH intends to issue updated planning guidelines in respect of STTL properties in due course. I am aware of the importance of STTL properties to rural tourism and I understand that these guidelines will reflect a shared understanding of this importance.
