Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 November 2016
122. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the progress his Department has made in regard to regulation of a company (details supplied); the timeframe for such decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36780/16]
View answerPillar 4 of Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness which deals with the Rental Sector, commits to developing a comprehensive strategy for the sector in Q4 2016. The strategy will be structured around 4 key areas: security, standards, supply and services. In terms of supply, the strategy will focus on maintaining existing levels of rental stock and encouraging investment in additional supply. All the main issues that affect the availability of dwellings in the rental market, including the issue of short-term lettings, will be considered during the development of the strategy, which will be informed by submissions received from the recent public consultation process that concluded on 7 November. The overarching objective of the strategy will be to increase supply and support the development of a stable, strong and viable rental sector offering true choice for households, investment opportunities for providers and reflecting the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords.
In the context of the recent determination by An Bord Pleanala in relation to the exclusive use of an apartment as a commercial letting through Air BnB, I have asked my Department to examine the decision, which is of course primarily a matter for planning authorities to determine, and consider the appropriate steps, including the provision of statutory planning guidelines, to provide clarity and consistency of approach by all planning authorities in terms of planning requirements for such commercial lettings. In this regard, I will provide guidance to Local Authorities by way of circular letter before the end of the year.
