Airbnb is a 'scourge' on Mayo's property rental market

Concerns about online property rental website Airbnb were highlighted at last week’s meeting of Mayo County Council Housing Strategic Policy Committee (SPC), writes Tom Byrne. 

Airbnb, an online marketplace for short and long-term homestays in various countries including Ireland, is a “scourge” at the moment, said Cllr Harry Barrett.

“We are in an emergency situation,” the Independent Castlebar-based councillor noted. “Ordinary people going out to work can’t find a property to rent in towns like Castlebar. That’s the situation we are in.

“Students are aiming to get an education and they can’t afford rent and if they can afford it then they have no money by the end of the month. We have to find the solutions and the government have to regulate the Airbnb market.” 

Westport councillor Peter Flynn agreed with his colleague's comments and added: “The one thing that has struck me in the last six months is the number of vacant houses in our county. Holiday homes are a huge aspect of it. People are here for a few weeks and spend the other parts of the year away from the county. It’s a major issue.” 

The Fine Gael councillor also referenced Airbnb, noting that it is a “challenge” to the rental market.

“We want to move things forward at speed - we need to find policies,” Cllr Flynn added when finalising proceedings during the meeting, which was the SPC's first since the new county council was elected last June. 

“We are all here to do a job and need to focus over the next 12 months.” 

It was agreed that another SPC meeting will take place this month with a December 10 date provisionally scheduled.