A North Clare Councillor says a ‘carrot and stick’ approach is needed to free up short-term lets locally.
It’s after new data suggested bookings for short-term home rentals across Europe are experiencing a post-pandemic boom.
In the third quarter of last year, which includes July and August, bookings were up by 25 percent on the continent compared to 2021, and up 9 percent on 2019, before the pandemic.
There were more than four million guest nights in short-term rental accommodation, which includes Airbnb, in the first nine months of 2022.
A new short-term letting register is to be created under new legislation provided by Government.
It’s after strong criticism from a number of political representatives in this county on Air BnB’s presence in North and West Clare, which has very limited stock available for the long-term rental market.
Lisdoonvarna-based Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy says while regulation is needed, short term accommodation still has an important role to play within Clare’s overall tourism offering.
A North Clare Councillor says a carrot and a stick is needed to ensure both the tourism industry and the housing market benefit from the new legislation.
Critics of the Government’s new plans say the proposed legislation must include proper enforcement to ensure it is effective.
Lahinch-based Green Councillor Liam Grant says a balanced approach is required.
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