REGISTER FOR SELF-CATERING PROPERTY PAUSED
The Irish Self Catering Federation (ISCF) accepts the decision of TRIS (Technical Regulation Information System) at EU level to postpone the Registration for Short Term Rental Bill which the Department of Tourism was bringing through the Dáil.
The Register for STR (Short Term Rental) in December 2022 announced that this legislation would return 12,000 housing units to the long-term market. This figure was based on calculations made on the back of an envelope according to a government official and was never clear to the ISCF. The EU is working on a bill to have data on all STR, and this bill should be in place by the end of 2023 with the Irish legislation being paused until December next. The Government has decided that Failte Ireland will be the statutory agency for the registration of all accommodation, for people staying up to 21 nights in a property. This could be a bed and breakfast, hotel, self-catering property, cabin, glamping pod, yurt or any other type of accommodation. In the meantime, there is no need to register self-catering properties before then.
The Irish Self-Catering Federation with ITIC and other Stakeholders appeared in front of the Oireachtas Tourism Committee some weeks ago to discuss our concerns with the bill. Máire Ní Mhurchú, Chair of the ISCF, stated that the bill would give clear data on the number of units and allow the sector to grow. However, the lack of clarity on planning issues is causing serious concern and needs to be sorted with the Department of Tourism and Department of Housing before the Register can proceed.
The ISCF calls for the continuation of the Round Table talks to clarify the guidelines for council planners and owners of STR in Rent Pressure Zone areas, as this has not been provided since RPZ regulations were introduced in 2019. In rural areas, we support a register but see no need for a change of planning for existing self-catering properties. For new businesses a clear STR designation on the planning permission being given, and this option is to be included in all county development plans. For Kerry Co Co we ask them to stop harassing self-catering owners with enforcement letters as self-catering owners are SME businesses, not commercial premises, and are an essential part of rural and coastal economies.
We need a balanced tourism offering in Ireland where all types of accommodation should be available, giving value and quality to all guests in Ireland. Rural Ireland is economically dependent on the income from tourism in all its forms and self-catering is an essential option for families and groups.
Contact the ISCF for more Details or for Membership.
Press Release 23/03/2023