PRESS RELEASE – 29/04/2026
STR Register Delayed – industry calls for Clear Implementation Timeline
As we reach 1st May, there remains no operational Short-Term Tourism Lettings Register in place, despite previously communicated timelines and ongoing legislative expectations.
The Irish Self-Catering Federation (ISCF) is the national organisation representing the sector in discussions with Government. In recent days, we have been asked to comment on the proposed Short-Term Tourism Lettings (STTL) Bill and associated planning legislation.
The ISCF is governed by an elected board of 12 volunteers, led by Chair Derek Keogh, Vice Chair Noelle Casey, and CEO Máire Ní Mhurchú. From SME businesses to Dairy farmers, and Marketing Agents the ISCF is the sole representative body on the island of Ireland for the sector
EU Directive on Short-Term Rental Register
The introduction of a Short-Term Rental (STR) Register is driven by an EU Directive requiring all Member States to establish a national registration system by May 2026. Several countries, including Poland, Luxembourg, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Romania, are implementing similar systems, while others, including Germany and Spain, remain at varying stages of readiness.
Ireland’s approach includes a national register to be administered by Fáilte Ireland, however key operational details remain outstanding, including the structure of registration numbers, associated costs, and how online platforms and marketing agents will interact with the system. The Dept of Enterprise Tourism and Employment website still has May 1st as date of Register introduction. The Bill has not yet passed all stages of the Oireachtas, and the Oireachtas Committee Report has not been presented to the Dáil.
The ISCF gave evidence to the Oireachtas Committee on 18 February 2026 alongside Historic Houses of Ireland and Booking.com. The Dept of Enterprise Tourism and Employment website still has May 1st as date of Register introduction. The Bill has not yet passed all stages of the Oireachtas, and the Oireachtas Committee Report has not been presented to the Dáíl. In a statement in response to rural TD’s questions on the Register for STR Minister Burke gave a statemen on 3/3/2026.
While the ISCF fully support the introduction of a register in line with EU requirements, we continue to emphasise the importance of ensuring it is implemented correctly and practically.
Register Linked to Planning Legislation
Ireland remains the only EU Member State to directly link the STR Register to planning permission requirements. This responsibility falls under the Department of Housing, with whom we last met on 30 June 2025. In 2019 the then Minister for Housing brought in the Rent Pressure Zones and Planning requirement for all Self-Catering, but did not clarify how existing businesses could get planning, The Dept of Housing brough out a clarification on Short Term lets and the planning system in January 2026, but did not share with the ISCF.
Current proposals would require retrospective planning permission for many existing self-catering businesses. The ISCF has called for clear exemptions for established self-catering and glamping operators and heritage houses, as well as transparent planning guidelines for new entrants to the sector.
The Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, has previously indicated that self-catering may continue in towns under 20,000 population, and that properties operating for seven years or more may qualify under a “grandfather” provision. However, there is currently no clear framework on how compliance with this provision will be evidenced or applied in practice. Local authority planners have also not been issued new clear operational guidance in advance of the legislation.
As a result, uncertainty remains across the sector, with no ability to progress planning applications in a consistent or predictable manner.
Impact on the Sector
The self-catering sector has experienced significant contraction over the past six years due to a combination of regulatory uncertainty, council policies, long-term rental conversions, and broader market pressures.
Where properties are removed from the short-term rental market, particularly in rural Ireland, there is a direct economic impact on local communities. Self-catering accommodation supports year-round occupancy, local employment, and regional tourism spend. In contrast, properties converted to occasional second homes may remain largely vacant for much of the year, reducing economic activity in those areas.
Noelle Casey, Vice Chair of the Irish Self-Catering Federation, who is based in the well-known tourist town of Killarney, is weary of what the future may hold for the tourism sector in Kerry.
“If we can keep our bookings for 2026, then we will be doing well. Looking ahead to 2027, it may be a harsher climate for us — airfares may be more expensive, our own energy costs will increase, and international tourists may be more reluctant to travel due to geopolitical tensions and the cost of living. With all this uncertainty, it is imperative that the lack of clarity about the incoming Register does not add to our woes.”
A Period of Uncertainty
At a time of global uncertainty—including geopolitical tensions, fuel cost fluctuations, and rising operational costs—the tourism season ahead remains unpredictable. This is further compounded by ongoing legislative uncertainty and inconsistent messaging around the STR Register.
We are also concerned by inaccurate international commentary suggesting that booking self-catering accommodation in Ireland is unsafe, which risks damaging Ireland’s reputation as a high-quality and secure tourism destination.
Call for Clarity and Delay
The ISCF is calling on Government to provide immediate clarity for both property owners and guests.
We respectfully request that the introduction of the STR Register be postponed until September 2026, allowing time for meaningful consultation with industry stakeholders and the development of a clear National Planning Statement for Short-Term Rentals, including defined exemptions.
This approach would also allow for the implementation of a structured, data-driven register that accurately reflects the scale of self-catering and glamping accommodation across Ireland.
It would further support the introduction of clear planning guidelines, enabling sustainable growth in rural and small-town tourism economies.
We believe it would be far more appropriate to introduce the Register during Ireland’s EU Presidency period, rather than rushing implementation at the start of the 2026 summer tourism season.
Conclusion
‘Ireland remains one of the safest and most attractive destinations in the European Union for tourism in 2026. However, without clear and timely policy direction, the sector risks failing to fully realise this potential’ said Máire ní Mhurchú CEO ISCF
The Irish Self-Catering Federation continues to seek constructive engagement with Government to ensure that the final framework is practical, proportionate, and supportive of both tourism and local communities.
Note to Media
Airbnb is a marketing platform and does not own accommodation in Ireland. We respectfully request that media outlets use imagery supplied by self-catering providers when reporting on the sector and avoid conflating the entire industry with individual multinational online platforms, which can create a misleading imbalance in representation.
For media enquiries:
Contact the ISCF office, which co-ordinates all interview requests.
Office:- info@ISCF.ie Phone: 086 – 178 5654 Join ISCF Now
About the Irish Self-Catering Federation (ISCF)
About the Irish Self-Catering Federation (ISCF) The Irish Self-Catering Federation (ISCF) is the national representative and lobbying body for owners of self-catering properties in Ireland. Established in 1998, the ISCF advocates on behalf of its members to promote and develop the interests of the self-catering sector across the country.
The ISCF has called for a Register for STR since 2017. Recognised by Fáilte Ireland, local and central government, and key tourism stakeholders, the ISCF works to ensure that self-catering accommodation providers have a unified voice in policy discussions and industry developments.
The federation represents a diverse range of property owners, from individual holiday home operators to larger agencies and groups. In addition to national advocacy, the ISCF is a member of the European Holiday Homes Association (EHHA), engaging in discussions and policy development at the European level to support the self-catering industry.