ISCF Calls for “flawed” STL Bill to be “redrafted”
The Irish Self-Catering Federation (ISCF) has said that the Short-Term Letting and Tourism Bill, which was discussed by
government on Monday “is flawed” and needs to be “redrafted.” As the Bill is currently drafted, properties which are advertised
online for short-term rental would be obliged to obtain a valid registration number with Fáilte Ireland and have Short-Term-Rental
planning permission.
Máire Ní Mhurchú, ISCF Chief Executive said that the Bill details are in need of “urgent consultation with rural and long-term
property owners in order to ensure that they continue in business.
“We welcome the review of the Rent Pressure Zone legislation, but it is very important that there is a clear planning legislation
in place prior to the introduction of the register for Short-Term-Letting and before existing properties are granted a derogation.”
Ms Ní Mhurchú acknowledged that the tourism sector along the Wild Atlantic Way and rural tourism in general needs to be
part of a register for Short-Term-Rental.
“However, the sector needs to be listened to,” she stressed”.
“We don’t yet know the details of the Bill but planning implications need to be taken into account.
“Fáilte Ireland data which was released at the end of January highlights the fact that Short-Term-Rental accounts for one thirds
of tourism bed capacity.
“The draft Bill as it stands needs to be looked at again in conjunction with people who make their living in the tourism industry
from the Short-Term-Rental sector.
“We are not opposed to the Bill in principle, but we urge the government to listen to the stakeholders. Our members cannot be
held somehow responsible for the lack of sufficient housing in Ireland.”
“It is imperative that the legislation is proportionate and balanced. That can only be achieved by engagement with the sector,
and we are calling on the government to ensure that happens,” Máire Ní Mhurchú concluded.
BACKGROUND TO THE BILL
The proposed Short-Term Letting and Tourism (STLT) Bill will provide the statutory basis for the establishment of a register for Short Term Lets in Ireland and for the implementation of the new EU Short Term Rental (STR) Regulation which was adopted by the EU on 11 April 2024 and is applicable from 20 May 2026.
The General Scheme of the Registration of Short-Term Tourist Letting Bill was initially approved by the Government and published in December 2022. Following a legally required notification of the General Scheme to the European Commission under the Technical Regulations Information System (TRIS) Directive a standstill period was imposed by the Commission until December 2023 as work was underway to agree the STR Regulation that would enable a unified approach to regulation across the EU. During this period the General Scheme was revised to align it to the STR Regulation.