Sinn Féin has urged the government to prioritise the regulation of short term letting platforms like Airbnb and booking.com.

According to Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD: "The prevalence of short terms lets in high demand urban areas such as Dublin 1, Dublin 2, Dublin 7 and Dublin 8 is putting further pressure on the rental sector and adding to the dwindling supply of long term rental properties."

He added: "I have written to Minister Murphy today asking for an update on the report of the working group he established to look at this issue.

"As far as we know the Minister has had the report since April and is planning to initiate a public consultation process.

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"It is my view that a prolonged public consultation process is not necessary. This issue has been debated publicly now for a number of years with many stakeholders including ourselves and the Housing Committee putting forward workable solutions."

Sinn Féin previously called for a definition of short term lets to be included in primary legislation. The party also recommended that hosts, who let their principle private residence for more than sixty days per year, require planning permission.

Mr Ó Broin continued: "The Housing Committee report on the issue recommended that a two-level regulatory regime should be introduced via primary legislation in relation to short term lettings.

"This would involve strict regulations targeted at the entire property. These regulations would be underpinned by a licensing system. 

"This would require all short term letting platforms to register hosts with the appropriate local authority."

He concluded: "The lack of regulation for short term lets is another symptom of a dysfunctional housing system. Cities in countries across the world have moved to regulate the sector.

"There are plenty of examples of what has worked and what may need tweaking."

(CM)