Short-term lets face new planning controls as Cabinet approves draft policy
New national planning statement would restrict most new short-term lets in cities and larger towns while easing pathways for existing operators
17 June 2026 | editor@irishrealestate.news
The Government has taken a significant step towards regulating Ireland’s short-term letting sector after Cabinet approved a draft National Planning Statement on Short-Term Lets, setting out how planning authorities will assess applications for new and existing short-term rental accommodation.
The draft statement, published by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, will now be notified to the European Commission and undergo environmental screening and assessment before returning to Government for final approval.
The policy is intended to provide the planning framework for the forthcoming Short-Term Letting and Tourism (STLT) Bill and the national Short-Term Let Register, both due to come into effect from 1 December 2026. Under the new regime, all short-term let operators will be legally required to register by 31 December 2026.
The proposed planning approach seeks to balance housing supply pressures with tourism accommodation demand. Under the draft policy, new short-term letting of residential properties will generally not be permitted in cities and larger towns, reflecting Government efforts to retain housing stock for long-term residential use.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne said the Government is proceeding with regulation of the sector while seeking to balance competing housing and tourism priorities. He said new short-term lets would generally not be allowed in cities and large towns to ensure homes remain available for long-term occupation.
The draft statement also establishes the planning basis for authorisation of short-term lets under the registration system. Planning permission will be required as part of the national authorisation process, providing a consistent framework for planning authorities assessing applications across the country.
However, a more flexible approach is proposed for smaller settlements. Minister of State for Planning and Local Government John Cummins said the policy would be more accommodating towards short-term letting in towns and settlements with populations below 20,000. Planning authorities will be guided to consider local housing needs, tourism accommodation requirements and potential urban regeneration benefits when assessing applications.
For existing operators, the Government is preparing amendments to planning regulations that would introduce a simplified retention process for short-term lets operating for more than seven years. The proposed administrative process is expected to remove requirements for detailed plans and mapping, reducing costs and complexity for operators seeking to regularise their planning status.
The measures are likely to have significant implications for property owners, investors and accommodation providers, particularly in urban markets where future short-term letting opportunities may become more restricted. At the same time, the proposed exemptions and simplified retention procedures may offer greater certainty for established operators ahead of the introduction of the national register later this year.
The final planning statement is expected to be published following completion of the EU notification process and environmental assessments, subject to Government approval.
