ACTION ON AIRBNB & FAIR DEAL NEEDED TO FREE UP HOMES

Labour Party spokesperson on Dublin Senator Kevin Humphreys has again raised the need to ensure AirBnB and the Fair Deal scheme do not lead to houses being removed from the rental market. He welcomed the acknowledgment from Minister Coveney in the Seanad today that he will examine the issues further in 2017.

Senator Humphreys said:

“I have repeatedly highlighted the damage AirBnB is causing to supply of rental properties in the Greater Dublin area.”

“A large number of units are available for short term lets on a full time commercial basis.”

“No one objects to someone using AirBnB for occasional short term rental use.”

“Where it is being run as a business though, the planning system must step in to ensure that the correct permissions are in place.”

“I welcome that Minister Coveney has written to local authorities to ensure planning enforcement is being utilised, but this must be closely monitored and legislative change may be needed.”

“There has also been concern that the Fair Deal scheme may leave a lot of empty houses in our cities while a senior citizen is in a nursing home.”

“I welcome the confirmation that the Minister will discuss this issue further with the Minister for Health in the New Year.”

“We need to ensure every measures is taken to maximise the supply of homes in the rental market is taken.”

“Addressing the problems caused by AirBnB and the Fair Deal scheme could make a substantial impact on those numbers.”