A Clare FM investigation which focused on this county, and on other areas in the West and South of Ireland, found that 40% of hosts agreed to rent out their properties this month without even asking the reasons for the stay.
An anonymous account setup by the station this week made enquiries to stay at over two dozen AirBnB properties in Clare, and in other nearby counties.
The enquiries made no reference as to why the accommodation was sought, or where our fake customer was based, but made it clear that the property was to be booked for just the last weekend of February, when lockdown restrictions will still be in place.
In a statement to Clare FM, AirBnB have said they take these reports seriously and will investigate.
They say their website includes clear warnings about government restrictions and insist the vast majority of hosts follow the rules.
On Friday’s Morning Focus, Producer Rebecca O’Sullivan joined Gavin to explain her findings and Fianna Fáil Cllr from Kilkee Cillian Murphy and Fine Gael Senator from Cork later reacted to the investigation.
