Speaking in the Seanad, long-time campaigner for tenant rights, Senator Aideen Hayden, has welcomed the end of the existence of bedsits.

Senator Hayden said: "As from February 1st, the traditional bedsit is no longer permitted under Irish Law. This change did not come about overnight and was long overdue. Under regulations introduced in 2009, landlords were given four years advance notice to make the required improvements to their properties.

"Typically bedsits are to be found in period dwellings which were sub-divided into bedsits units over 50 years ago. I have personally seen 17 bedsits in one house with tenants sharing just three bathrooms. What many of us remember with fondness from our time in flatland during our college years or early working life, was also the grim reality for many vulnerable people in our towns and cities, who were forced to share bathrooms and cooking facilities, and in some cases to even use outdoor toilets. This sort of outdated sub-standard accommodation has no place in modern Ireland.

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"Responsible landlords have clearly reacted and taken the necessary steps to ensure their properties comply. These regulations are removing sub-standard accommodation, which often has not been modified or updated since the 1950s.

"I welcome Minister for Housing and Planning, Jan O’Sullivan's commitment in this area, and I trust that the rental sector will continue to comply with this directive."

(CD/GK)