Social Democrats Housing Spokesperson and T.D. for Dublin Bay North, Cian O’Callaghan has called on the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government to regulate short term lets in response to the sudden rise in Airbnb-style units that are available for longer-term rent on Daft.ie.
Deputy Cian O’Callaghan said:
‘The Daft.ie Housing Market Report released today (Tuesday 9th June) shows a 47% increase in rental units in Dublin in May. This sudden rise in the availability of rental properties highlights the urgent need to deal with the problem of short term lets.
“Many of the houses and flats that you can see on Daft.ie today were previously being used for short term let before COVID-19. This was having a significant impact on rental housing supply in Dublin.’
“With no international tourists in Dublin this summer now is the time to introduce new regulations and restrictions. The Government’s previous half-hearted efforts to regulate this sector failed – with less than 250 out of over 7,000 registering.
“There is a huge level of housing need in Dublin, so we need to keep as many of these units as possible as long term lets. A significant number of short-term lets are now home to people who used to be homeless – we must ensure these people continue to have a place to live as we lift the COVID-19 restrictions.”
[ENDS]
9th June 2020