🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Ireland
Urban areas proceed with May 2026 restrictions while smaller communities secure exemption
Ireland Modifies Short-Term Rental Ban, Exempts Towns Under 20,000 Population
Photo by Gregory DALLEAU
Ireland ends planning exemptions for short-term rentals nationwide last June 2025, designating all counties as Rent Pressure Zones
Ireland will ban new short-term rental planning permissions in major cities and large towns starting May 20, 2026 as part of government efforts to address the housing crisis. The restriction applies to all cities and towns with populations exceeding 10,000 residents, though recent modifications exempt communities below 20,000 following political pressure from rural representatives.
“ Government abandons a former plan to introduce curbs [on short term rentals] on places with populations of more than 10,000.” @IrishTimes pic.twitter.com/GZjdJHnH5K
— melreynolds (@MaoiliosaRey) February 11, 2026
Housing Minister Peter Burke confirmed on February 10, 2026 that the exemption threshold was raised from 10,000 to 20,000 residents after sustained lobbying by rural TDs, including Michael Healy-Rae. Minister Burke stated the government was being "understanding" toward smaller towns experiencing high tourism demand but lacking sufficient accommodation infrastructure. However, the ban will proceed as planned for Ireland's major urban centers, including Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford, Kilkenny, Drogheda, Dundalk, and approximately 15 other cities and large towns.
The Short Term Letting and Tourism (STLT) Bill, approved by Cabinet in April 2025, establishes that new planning permissions for short-term lets will be "generally precluded" in affected areas. Minister James Browne will publish a National Planning Statement providing detailed guidance on planning requirements before the legislation takes full effect. Currently, all short-term rental properties except principal private residences (PPR) in rent pressure zones require planning permission. For PPRs, renting out the entire property for more than 90 days requires planning approval.
Ireland's General Scheme Short Term Letting and Tourism Bill 2025
Minister Burke acknowledged "genuine concerns regarding the impacts on rural tourism and local economies" but emphasized this:
meeting local housing need across Ireland is a critically important consideration and government must use every lever available to assist in providing homes for our people.
The ban coincides with mandatory registration requirements administered by Failte Ireland. All hosts offering accommodation for periods up to 21 nights must obtain registration numbers to continue operations. However, implementation challenges persist: Failte Ireland's registration portal remains non-operational despite the approaching deadline.
Property owners have expressed skepticism about the policy's effectiveness, with many stating their properties are unsuitable for long-term residential use and will simply be removed from the market rather than converted to permanent housing.
Sarah Cronin-Falvey explains Ireland's 2026 Short-Term Letting & Tourism Bill and why small hosts fear it could end their businesses.
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