Joint Committee on Enterprise Tourism and Employment
Opening Statement by Máire Ní Mhurchú CEO 18/2/2026
Is mise Máire ní Mhurchú CEO Cónaidhm Loistín Feanfhreastail na hÉireann agus mo Cathaoirleach Derek Keogh. Ba mhaith liom mo bhuiochas a gabhail, ar an gcuiread ón coiste inniu. Tá líon mór oibre deanta agaibh ar an Bille Claruchán do Féin Lointín in Eireann, mar chuid de rialacha nua an Aontas Eorapach. Tá gnothanna beoga féin-loistin i gach ceanntar iargualt den tír seo agus i straidhbhaiilte. Is formhór gnó na mná iad seo agus ag fostú mná; in aiteann nach bfhuil aon áit eile do turasoirí fanuaint go minic.
Duirt Failte Ireland i staidéir in Meitheamh 2025 go bfhuil os cionn 40% dos no leapacha i gnóthanna féin-loistin sa tír. Cuirtear gach aonad le díon san aireamh sea ó caisleain, go tithe go faighneoid ghlampála. Tá fiú arasn san aireamh anseo in Eireann.
Who Are the ISCF
The Irish Self‑Catering Federation (ISCF) welcomes the invitation from the Committee to discuss the Register for Short‑Term Tourist Letting (STTL) Bill and associated planning legislation.
Formed over 25 years ago, the ISCF is a not‑for‑profit representative body that unified smaller local groups into one national organisation. We represent owners and operators across Ireland, primarily in rural areas, though some long‑standing businesses operate in towns and cities. In the visitors gallery today is Peter Downey Chair 2013-2020, who called for a Register for STR at an Oireachtas Committee meeting in 2017.
Membership Data
We represent nearly 7000 self-catering properties throughout Ireland, who, at the moment are concerned if they will remain in business after May 20th. Services to members & Quality Assurance, alongside lobbying on behalf of members, we provide key supports including NQAF, marketing and LetsGoSelfCatering.ie for direct bookings, networking, webinars, and direct engagement with owners. Membersundergo visual Quality Assurance assessments under an MOU with Fáilte Ireland, and tourism bed data is submitted twice yearly. We are the voice of owners and support them operationally and professionally.
Difference Between ISCF Members and OTA’s
Our members are self-catering tourism businesses, comprised of individual property owners who operate and let their own accommodation on a self-catering basis.
We are not “Airbnb’s.”. Airbnb is one of three OTA’s (Online Travel Agents) in the Irish market, alongside Booking.com and VRBO and for a fee they provide access to potential customers.
Key distinction:
• OTA’s do not own or manage properties.
• Our members do. They either rent directly or work through local agents.
To demonstrate this diversity, two members are available online to provide answers to any
questions you might have
• Lisa Argue – General Manager, Marketing company DreamIreland.com based in Kerry.
• Tomás O’Keeffe – Dairy farmer from Tipperary, whose self-catering business complements and supplements the farm’s income.
Sector Data
We believe an honest, evidence‑based conversation is needed about the number of self‑catering units in Ireland.
• In September 2025, Fáilte Ireland estimated that nationwide there were 35,400 properties offering short term rentals
• A 2022 Fáilte Ireland report estimated 10,731 STR units would migrate to the long-term market, a figure based on data scraping, not verified supply.
There is no evidence to support this claim. A survey of our members showed that 90% would not return their properties to the long-term rental sector which supports the statement. The self-catering sector is the backbone of Irish tourism – it did not cause the housing crisis, and neither is its’ solution.
The Jim Power Report (2024) Analysis of the Self‑Catering Sector found:
• Loss of 1,858 units in Kerry alone removed €72.4 million from the local economy
• Loss of 6,585 units along the Wild Atlantic Way equates to €256.8 million annually
Tourism Data
• Eurostat (Q1 2025) shows a 34.3% increase in self‑catering bookings across Europe.
• 51% of Irish tourism businesses reported falling revenue in 2025 (Fáilte Ireland).
• Self‑catering operators were among the hardest hit, 62% down in income.
• Domestic tourism fell in 2025, with 25% opting for self-catering. International arrivals dropped 6%, causing a €685 M economic loss.
• The Minister for Tourism aims for 7% annual growth in total visitor numbers.
Economic Impact
The ESRI (April 2025) found that most STTL units on OTA platforms were previously self‑catering units already operating in the market.
Visitor spending patterns: For every €25 spent on a self‑catering bed, €75 per person per day is spent locally—shops, restaurants, cafés, craft outlets, pubs.
Example: In Skibbereen, Cottages for Couples generate €2 million per year in local spend. Similar impacts occur in villages nationwide.
On offshore islands, where hotels are not viable, self-catering is often the only accommodation. This industry has been a cornerstone of Ireland’s tourism for generations and remains vital to its survival.
Issues with the STTL Register & Planning
We support the creation of a Register; accurate data is essential. Our concerns relate to the
requirement for planning permission to join the Register or more specifically the building
regulations that will be attached to that planning application.
We are now inviting our Chairperson, Derek Keogh, to speak.
Link to Chairperson Derek Keogh Statement to the Enterprise Tourism and Employment Committee 18/2/2026
Link to Statement of Lisa Argue, G.M DreamIreland.com Marketing Agents, Ireland.
Link to Statement of Tomas o Keeffe, Suir Valley Cottage owner and Dairy Farmer.
Link To Fiona McConnacher Booking.com Opening Statment
Link to JOC meeting 18/2/2026 Enterprise Tourism and Employment Meeting
Link to JOC Future of Tourism 28/02/26 Enterprise Tourism and Employment Meeting
Link to ISCF Press Release 20/2/2026
Need More Information?
Contact us: Send an email to info@iscf.ie, and we’ll be happy to assist you.