If the Airbnb homes sector isn't properly regulated it's going to continue to contribute towards the housing crisis.
That's according to Social Democrats TD Cian O'Callaghan, after news that Airbnb owners in high rental areas didn't apply for planning permission for short-term lets.
In Ireland at the moment, there are 25,303 short-term lets listed on Airbnb.
166 short-term rental/ holiday units are listed for Waterford, while just 13 properties are available for long-term lets in the county.
The Irish Independent has reported there are plans for a national register which would force Airbnb hosts in rent pressure zones to apply for planning permission.
In general, planning permission is required for short-term lets such as Airbnb.
Figures being seen across the country show Airbnb properties exceeding the long-term rental properties by up to 10 times.
In Dublin city, there are 5,527 units on Airbnb, with just 588 long-term lets.
Cork has 304 units available on Airbnb, with just 60 long-term lets on Daft.ie
This is echoed also in Limerick, where there are just 18 houses on Daft.ie in comparison with 336 properties on Airbnb.
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