The Government is rowing back on its proposals to strictly regulate short-term lets, with restrictions now set to apply to towns with a population of more than 20,000. Last month, the Irish Examiner revealed that at least three-quarters of properties advertised for short-term lets are either empty or underoccupied at any given time. Speaking on his way into Cabinet, Mr Burke denied the changes had come amid lobbying from Ms Foley and Mr Healy-Rae. Despite Mr Burke insisting changes were not made due to internal pressures, Mr Healy-Rae did claim credit for the policy change. In a post on Instagram, Mr Healy-Rae said he had been “working hard at Government level” to ensure the rules on short-term lets are fair.

Source: Irish Examiner February 10, 2026 18:35 UTC