John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There are a number of other issues that have been highlighted by commentators and to which the Minister of State has not referred, including the impact Airbnb properties have on the social environment. Given that the majority of its properties are residential in character or setting, the ability of Airbnb to impact on neighbourhoods, residential areas, particularly apartment and privately managed complexes, is considerable. There is sufficient anecdotal evidence available on this point in terms of a public narrative for it to be at least a cause for concern. This is before mentioning the legal complexities of renting properties with shared management fees, common areas, parking and public access issues and so on, never mind the impact on residents of a residential development which was granted planning permission morphing into a commercial and, possibly, rateable enterprise. More than 6,000 units in Dublin are listed with Airbnb. The An Bord Pleanála decision allows for a wider conversation to take place and the Minister of State suggests he is open to having it. Airbnb has to begin to engage in an Irish context, but it needs an agency to engage with before that discussion can begin. However, there is no such agency or vehicle to allow it ot take place.

Until recently, Airbnb properties were not in breach of any law or regulation. The Minister of State will be aware of the wider international context. Berlin has banned tourists from renting entire apartments on Airbnb to protect the availability of affordable housing. Other cities have banned the renting of full, multiple properties because of its impact across a range of factors such as housing supply, neighbourhoods and residential settings. In New York the governor may give effect to a law which provides for fines of $7,500 for the owners of short-term lets on Airbnb. I recognise that an association which represents Irish landlords states there should not be an outright ban.

As I stated, what started out as a novel idea has exploded and I guess Airbnb is a victim of its its own success. The House and the Government needs to discuss the issue. There is a balance to be struck. I look forward to seeing the report the Department is to bring to the Minister and hope it will enable us to have a wider debate on the regulatory framework.

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