Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 April 2023
78. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the updating of the planning guidelines for short-term lettings will be announced (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18550/23]
View answer81. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 513 of 21 March 2023, if he will engage with self-catering accommodation providers in rural areas concerning the impact of the Short-term Lettings Enforcement Bill 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18609/23]
View answerOn 7 December 2022 the Government approved the publication of the General Scheme of the Registration of Short-Term Tourist Letting Bill and the priority drafting of the Bill which provides for the establishment of a new registration system for short-term lettings to be operated by Fáilte Ireland in line with the commitment under Housing for All, the Government's housing policy and action plan. This work is being led by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media (DTCAGSM).
DTCAGSM provided briefings on the Bill to key stakeholders on 7 December 2022 and further briefings have been provided to stakeholders since then. On 16 February 2023, DTCAGSM held further discussions with stakeholders and my Department participated in this. My Department continues to be open to further engagement with relevant stakeholders and will be meeting with one of the representative bodies in the coming week in relation to planning aspects associated with the measure.
Updated Planning Guidelines on short-term letting, which are aimed at providing clarity on the planning permission and exemption requirements for properties operating in this area in both rent pressure zones and more rural areas are currently being prepared by my Department to supplement the Registration of Short-Term Tourist Letting Bill. It is intended that the updated guidelines, which will also take account of the recent communication from the EU Commission on this matter, will be published on the enactment of the Bill.
