Moves to restrict the use of houses and apartments for AirBnB purposes is a "step in the right direction", but the housing crisis will only be solved with "building more social and affordable housing".
This is the view of Fine Gael Galway City East councillor John Walsh, who has welcomed measures, recently announced by the Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy, restricting the use of private houses and apartments for Air BnB purposes, and requiring landlords to obtain planning permission if they wish to continue to use the property for short term letting.
Cllr Walsh said AirBnB has resulted in "some professional landlords" withdrawing houses and apartments that would normally be rented on a long-term basis to families, and instead renting them out as short-term lets. He said this has led to the "ridiculous situation" whereby tourists are staying in family homes through Air BnB, and families, in need of emergency accommodation, are staying in hotels.
“This move by the minister to curtail AirBnB practices is a welcome step in the right direction," said Cllr Walsh. "However, it is only one of a suite of measures that are needed. Ultimately we need to get back to building more social and affordable housing in the city. In a recent meeting with the minister, he informed me his department is in discussions with Galway City Council regarding a number of housing projects due to commence here in the next 12 months."
