Johnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I will start by commending my colleague Deputy Ó Broin on bringing forward this legislation. The Bill mainly stems from the report published in 2017 by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government which made unanimous recommendations for the then Government to regulate the short-term letting sector. It illustrated the economic and social impact of how Airbnbs that are let over 90 days per year artificially affect the supply of bona fide renter properties. The Short-term Lettings Enforcement Bill 2022 will regulate to that effect by requiring estate agents and online platforms not to advertise properties other than those that are compliant with planning regulations. It also allows for the issuing of on-the-spot fines to Airbnb and other providers that advertise non-compliant properties.

This legislation comes at a time when the rental market is becoming a dysfunctional, out-of-control, money-grabbing industry. The latest Daft.ie report shows that my own county of Wexford saw an astonishing 14.2% year-on-year increase in rent. This is inflating and adding to the already high cost-of-living crisis currently being faced by working people and their families. They are facing extortionate energy costs, increasing carbon tax, rip-off insurance and soaring childcare costs.

We know rents will continue to rise, causing more single people and families to return to their family homes to sofas or garages. Worse still, those who do not have that unfortunate option are facing the streets. Research recently conducted by The TimesIreland edition shows that Airbnb now outstrips long-term rental homes in every county. In Wexford, there are 490 properties advertised on Airbnb, compared to only 11 on Daft.ie. This is why constituency offices throughout the country, including mine, are inundated with people unable to secure rental properties for themselves and their families. The scarcity has created an unprecedented increase in rents that middle- and lower-income families just cannot afford. Urgent action to regulate the short-term letting sector is needed. All Deputies must have the courage to take on the rental crisis and the awful impact it has on our citizens and to do the right thing by supporting this Bill today.

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