Madness to put homeless families into hotels, while tourists stay in housing

25 planning investigations into Airbnb rentals ongoing in Dublin City Council

The Green Party today called for more enforcement action from Dublin City Council in relation to illegal Airbnb rentals reducing housing supply in the city.

In October 2016 An Bord Pleanála ruled that using an apartment year-round for short term lettings is a change of use and requires planning permission. However, enforcement of this ruling has been severely lacking.

Speaking today, Cllr Patrick Costello, Green Party Councillor for Rathgar Rathmines, said: “It is absolute madness that are we putting homeless families in hotels and tourists into houses. This is a completely backwards situation.

“Proper enforcement of ‘change of use’ aspects of planning permission must be used to control excessive Airbnb style rentals which are reducing housing supply. The Chief Executive of Dublin City Council must ensure there is adequate staff to ensure that no one is breaking the law and as a result reducing availability of housing.”

In response to a question by Cllr. Costello Dublin City Council have said there are currently 25 open planning investigations, some dating back to 2016. Some apartment blocks have had multiple complaints in relation to Airbnb style rentals. In the absence of any other regulation planning enforcement is the only way to prevent housing being used as commercial property for short term lettings.