117. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an overview of the new national tourism policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1713/26]

Sentiment score: 0.01

The need for short-term lets for visitors to our shores cannot be underestimated in the make-up of the ideal mix of accommodation types to ensure that everybody has a full choice and range to decide from. We need long-term and short-term lets. There is no doubt about that. We need all sorts of accommodation. Restricting any type, such as short-term lets, is a detrimental move. We should encourage more of all types. Kerry is the premier tourist county in Ireland. Killarney is the best tourist town in the country. Local business owners should be consulted before any legislative changes are introduced. A wide range of accommodation types, including hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfasts and Airbnbs, is a primary reason visitors choose the area and choose Ireland.

Sentiment score: 0.10

Without the mix in accommodation and flexibility, many people would stay away, despite our fabulous food and stunning scenery offering from Kerry to Donegal. We need to be very careful that we do not kill the golden goose by legislating tourism accommodation providers out of the market. To fill the shortage of all types of lets, we need more premises. This is being addressed with the vacant and derelict property grants. I believe this will grow and can be sped up with more supports, such as with the expected investment in constructed wetlands in our towns and villages across the country, something I have been consistently calling for as a councillor and subsequently, as a TD for Kerry. I believe this would solve the housing shortage in the medium term. This is a quick, efficient and relatively cheap and easy to install system for treating wastewater without years of planning and construction. The new short-term letting register, managed by Fáilte Ireland, lacks the support of the tourism sector. The fact this register is to focus on just one type of letting has brought it into disrepute. Many believe it is discriminatory towards short-term letting and they are being held responsible for the shortage in long-term lets and the housing crisis. I believe the Airbnb sector has no intention of moving into long-term letting. The hosts have found their niche, pay their taxes and feel they should not be forced out of business.

Sentiment score: 0.15

I thank the Minister. Legitimate businesses should be allowed to carry on. Other tactics need to be employed to encourage and attract people into offering long-term letting. I again call for a planning waiver. The Minister has touched on it there. Many of those with whom I deal in Killarney, Dingle, Kenmare and all of the towns in Kerry such as Killorglin, Tralee, Castleisland, Listowel and Cahersiveen, believe if they apply for planning permission, be it short-term or long-term, it could actually be refused. That is a very real concern. There is no point in me re-emphasising the importance of tourism to my county. We pride ourselves on tourism. We believe we are the premier tourist county. It is a great boast to have. We have the scenery. The people involved in the business of tourism in Kerry do it very well. Short-term letting is a big part of the business in Kerry. It is important to our visitors from all parts of the globe for that opportunity to be there. People invested in short-term letting and in their properties to put their kids through school, etc. They should not be dictated to in regards to what area they should be in.

Sentiment score: 0.16