Taoiseach accuses Michael Healy Rae of scaremongering over tourism legislation

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has accused Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae of scaremongering regarding planning permission requirements for short-term lets. Radio Kerry and the Irish Times reported that the exchange took place in the Dáil during a debate on the Short-Term Letting and Tourism Bill. The Irish Times reported that the bill has passed the Dáil. [1][2][3]

Radio Kerry reported that Michael Healy-Rae cited statements made by the Taoiseach in April, claiming operators of Airbnbs for more than seven years would not need planning permission. The Irish Times reported that Micheál Martin stated the bill reflects comprehensive legal advice from the Attorney General. Micheál Martin said there is a simplified application process and a presumption of entitlement for those in business for over seven years, which Radio Kerry reported Michael Healy-Rae argued offered no guarantee of approval for families. [1][2]

The Irish Times reported that Micheál Martin told the former minister of state that a recent social media post by the Kerry TD was over the top. Michael Healy-Rae has served as a Teachta Dála for the Kerry constituency since 2016 and was previously a TD for Kerry South from 2011 to 2016. [2][4]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, the Short-Term Letting and Tourism Bill establishes a national register of rental accommodation covering stays of up to 21 nights. The legislation follows previous Dáil discussions on regulatory measures for short-term rental properties. [2][8]