Delays to crack down on short-term lets leave thousands of house out of renters’ reach [Video]

Thousands of potential rental homes have been left beyond the reach of tenants because the Government has failed to launch its much-lauded register to crack down on short-term lets, writes Brian Mahon.

Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien had insisted the delayed regulations would “absolutely” be in place during the lifetime of this Government.

Yet it now looks likely that it will be up to the next government to enact the plan – which was unveiled by Mr O’Brien and Tourism Minister Catherine Martin in December 2022.

Under the crackdown, online platforms such as Airbnb would be fined up to €5,000 if they advertise lettings not registered with Fáilte Ireland.

Now the Government is being accused of “completely failing” to grapple with the issue during its term of office and of “kicking it” to the next government.

Amid a housing crisis, and an influx of thousands of migrants, the Government said that the …