A DONEGAL couple who operate an Airbnb in Trentagh have said they may be forced to close their small rurally located business if proposed short-term rental legislation comes into effect.
Jason and Michaela own and operate Hillside Lodge, a small, family-run guest lodge which, they say, provides their main source of income.
The couple, along with their three sons, Alex (5) and twins Josh and Adam (3) lived in Canada for a few years, but returned to Donegal to rear their children.
Having built their own home on their family’s farm, their dream was to promote “our beautiful, normally under visited corner of Donegal”.
They say their venture was never intended to be an investment property or commericial portfolio, but as a means to earn a living and support their family while remaining rooted in their local community and promoting the amazing county they are so proud to come from.
“Like many rural operators, we are self-employed, pay our taxes, and bring visitors directly into the local economy. Our guests support nearby cafés, restaurants, shops, pubs, taxis, and activity providers. In areas like ours, small tourism businesses are not a side industry — they are the backbone of rural sustainability,” the couple said.
“However, the proposed legislation — as it currently stands — is creating enormous uncertainty and mental anxiety for small, rural, family-run accommodation providers. If implemented without clear exemptions or proportional rules for rural areas, it will effectively force us to close.
“If that happens, Hillside Lodge will sit empty as we are not fit for long term residence and our family will lose our only income, and for the first time in our lives we would be forced to rely on social welfare — not because the business failed, but because policy made it impossible to operate.”
The couple said that aside from their own situation, there is a wider issue at play. They fear that if multiple small accommodation providers across Donegal are forced to shut, visitor numbers will fall, local businesses will suffer, and vital tourism infrastructure — including services connected to Donegal Airport — will inevitably be impacted.
“Reduced tourism demand threatens everything from local jobs to transport links.
“This feels like a one-size-fits-all solution aimed at urban housing pressures that risks doing serious unintended damage to rural counties like Donegal, where tourism is one of the few reliable economic drivers. Closing viable family businesses and replacing employment with welfare dependency cannot be the outcome government intends.”
The couple have taken their concerns to TDs, as well as to the Department of Housing, Tourism and Employment, but have not as yet received any response.
“We simply want to continue working, contributing, and welcoming visitors to Donegal — not closing our doors,” the couple added.
We have lodged press queries with the relevant authorities. More to follow on this.
