Government approves planning policy restricting new short-term lets

The Government approved a national planning statement on short-term letting on Tuesday, the Department of Housing confirmed, following reporting by TheJournal.ie and RTÉ that the measure was going to Cabinet.

The department said the policy generally rules out new planning permissions for short-term lets in towns and cities with populations above 20,000. This is a planning restriction on new permissions, not a statement that every existing holiday let must immediately close.

For smaller population centres, the department described a more accommodating approach and a two-year period for providers to meet planning-consent requirements while being allowed to register. RTÉ reported that Housing Minister James Browne wanted more whole properties returned to longer-term rental use. Whether the policy delivers additional homes is an intended outcome, not an established result.