Controversial new rules for Airbnb owners could 'destabilise tourism' in Ireland

New controversial laws that will see limits on the use of AirBnb's and other short term rentals across Ireland will come to Cabinet today.

In a bid to increase housing supply in the country, the Short-Term Lettings Bill will see restrictions put in place to prevent homeowners from renting their own properties for more than 90 days per year if they live in an area with a population larger than 10,000.

This bill would directly affect owners from renting their properties in large towns and cities to tourists, from Ireland and abroad, and will see far reaching negative consequences for tourism dependent communities.

The bill was due in Cabinet last week, but following a heated exchange between housing minister James Browne and enterprise minister Peter Bourke - who are leading the legislation - the debate was dropped.

Leader of Independent Ireland, Michael Collins, has criticised the proposed move by Government warning that the new rules threaten the destabilise tourism for rural communities all across Ireland that depend on tourism

"Short-term rentals are a vital part of the rural Irish economy.

"We need them for accommodation for tourists and contract workers. The idea that 12,000 houses will go back to being long-term rentals is simply not true."

Cabinet is set to discuss the new proposed legislation later today.

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