TG4 investigates Donegal housing amid Airbnb and rental crisis

The housing crisis in Ireland’s Gaeltacht will be brought to light tonight on TG4’s investigative current affairs series, “Iniúchadh”.

The episode, titled ‘Níl Aon Tinteán’, delves into the troubling imbalance between short-term and long-term rental options in these Irish-speaking regions.

Presented by journalist Kevin Magee, the program highlights a recent survey of Airbnb and rental listings conducted over a random week last month.

The investigation revealed a staggering 1,017 properties listed on Airbnb for short-term rental across the Gaeltacht.

In stark contrast, only ten houses were available for long-term rent on Daft.ie during the same period.

In Donegal’s Gaeltacht specifically, the disparity is even more pronounced.

There were 225 properties listed on Airbnb, while only three houses were available for long-term rental on Daft.ie.

Dr. Séin Ó Muineacháin’s research for Údarás na Gaeltachta sheds further light on the issue, showing that nearly 20% of homes in the Gaeltacht are classified as holiday homes, often listed on platforms like Airbnb.

In south Kerry, 45% of homes are holiday rentals, while in north Donegal and west Mayo, the figures are 42% and 34%, respectively.

Airbnb provided a statement regarding its role in the housing crisis.

A spokesperson for the company stated: “A typical host in Ireland shares one home for just 3 nights a month, and half say the extra income helps them afford rising costs. While Airbnb is not the cause of long-standing housing challenges in the Gaeltacht, we want to partner with the Government on the challenges they face. We have long called for Ireland to introduce modern short-term let rules, including a host register, that protect the families, communities, and businesses that depend on rural tourism.”

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