Call for rural tourism exemptions as short-term let rules loom

The Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District is to write to the Minister for Housing and Local Government seeking exemptions for rural self-catering and short-term let providers amid concern that new regulations could force many to close.

The motion was proposed by Cllr David Jones, who said it arose from discussions with the chair of the Irish Self-Catering Federation, which is based in Clonmellon.

Cllr Jones said operators of Airbnbs, farm diversification projects and glamping businesses require clear national guidance from the minister in advance of new short-term letting laws expected to come into effect in May.

“They need a national planning statement so that not only self-catering providers have clear guidance, but planners and local authorities also know what planning exemptions can be applied for rural tourism accommodation,” he said.

He argued that short-term lets in rural areas such as Clonmellon and Delvin should not be treated in the same way as Airbnbs in rent pressure zones.

“We need to decouple an Airbnb in a rent pressure zone from an Airbnb in rural Ireland,” he said. “In places like Delvin and Clonmellon, they are bringing new people and tourism into the area.”

Cllr Jones said many rural tourism units have been developed from old farm buildings and sheds, and he had no issue with planning exemptions for such projects provided they meet fire regulations. He warned, however, that without clear guidance, providers face uncertainty.

“It’s looking like May for the introduction of these short-term let laws and many tourism accommodation providers will either have to close their doors or operate illegally,” he said. “That would be a huge pity coming into the tourism season.”

He said he is currently dealing with one provider operating four units whose business supports significant local spending, and described the proposed letter to the minister as “timely and very appropriate”. He added that several other local authorities have passed similar motions seeking permanent guidelines and clarity around retrospective planning requirements.

Seconding the concerns, Cllr Emily Wallace described the legislation as “very rushed”, noting that from May 20, anyone offering short-term lets of up to 21 nights will be required to register with Fáilte Ireland and display a registration number when advertising online.

“That means that on Airbnb or wherever they are advertising to supplement their income, they must have a registration number or they will be fined,” she said.

She also warned that the regulations would place additional enforcement pressure on Westmeath County Council, which will be required to ensure compliance not only with fire safety but also planning regulations.

Cllr Wallace said while the measures may provide security in some instances, they could have unintended economic consequences, particularly for rural communities dependent on tourism.

“When you want to shop local and support Irish industry, the cost of holidaying in Ireland is huge,” she said. “The option of renting a room or Airbnb has opened up that market at a competitive cost. This could ultimately close that down and make it more expensive to holiday at home.”

She suggested the district also write to other local authorities seeking nationwide support for exemptions and extended timelines.

Cllr Denis Leonard said that if the Hidden Heartlands tourism initiative is to succeed, rural accommodation must be supported. He noted that most tourist beds are concentrated in larger towns such as Mullingar and Athlone, with little provision in smaller centres.

“We don’t have a single tourist bed in Kinnegad,” he said, adding that short-term lets could provide accommodation for family events, weddings and new workers arriving in expanding business parks.

“We are making it so onerous that people will say, ‘I’m not going to do that’,” he said. “We need to make it user-friendly for people to offer accommodation.”

Cllr Jones welcomed the cross-party support for the motion, saying he expects the issue to escalate as the May deadline approaches.

“If we don’t get clarity soon, this is going to be a huge issue,” he said.

The district confirmed that a letter will now issue to the Minister outlining members’ concerns and calling for clear guidance and exemptions for rural tourism providers.