Edward Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

Employment brings life to rural Ireland and helps support our unique culture, including things like the GAA and many other traditions that are part of our culture and such a positive part of our society. In particular, can the Minister look at ways of supporting the economic development sections of our county councils? Some have significant resources but many, including my County Wicklow, have limited resources. We also need to be careful regarding the tourism sector and Airbnbs. Airbnbs bring tourists to parts of Ireland and parts of rural Wicklow that are not on the tourist map. In a recent poll carried out across the country, an average of 93% of Airbnb hosts cannot or will not release their property to long-term letting.

See this speech in context