Airbnb and hosts face penalties if they fail to register short-term lets

Government estimates the move could return 12,000 homes to long-term rental market

Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien; Tourism Minister Catherine Martin; and Fáilte Ireland chief executive Paul Kelly at the announcement of legislation to establish a short-term tourist letting register. Picture: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie

Online platforms such as Airbnb will be fined up to €5,000 if they advertise lettings which have not been registered with Fáilte Ireland under the new rules agreed by Cabinet on Wednesday.

Tourism Minister Catherine Martin announced the drafting of a bill which would mean all short-term letting advertisements must be registered with the tourism body.