B&B owners call for Fáilte Ireland to regulate sector

Bed and breakfast owners have called on tourism authorities to introduce compulsory licensing urgently for all, as well as a grading system to reduce the threat posed by a growing number of unapproved B&Bs.

A report published by Town and Country Homes Association, which represents more than 1,000 registered premises, highlighted how B&Bs are the only type of accommodation which are not classified or graded in the Republic.

Association chairwoman Kate Burns said as many as 5,000 unapproved B&Bs were allowed to operate as part of the black economy in the Republic without any health and safety standards.