News
Rent Crisis: 13 long-term rentals versus 300 on Airbnb
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As revealed in last week’s Killarney Advertiser, we are currently in the midst of a crippling rental crisis the likes of which have never been seen in Killarney. Locals and migrants alike are struggling to find suitable accommodation and there appears to be no solution in sight. Rents nationally are significantly higher than they were at the height of the boom and they continue to climb. In Kerry, this quarter showed an 8.9% increase on the same period last year.
Incredibly, there are currently just 13 properties available for rent in the Killarney area on Daft.ie (and some of those listed are miles from the town itself). On Airbnb, meanwhile, there are over 300 listings in Killarney.
It is virtually impossible to find somewhere to rent long term in the Killarney area. Worryingly, many local businesses now say that they have jobs available but they can’t attract employees because there’s nowhere to house them.
Chairperson of the Irish Hotels Federation, Niamh O’Shea, says the issue is affecting many local hotels.
“In Killarney in particular, there is a shortage of supply when it comes to accommodation and that is a challenge,” she said. “There aren’t enough houses being built and you also have the scenario where some of those who were in the market have exited in favour of Airbnb. It’s a double-whammy, for want of a better word.
“It’s at all levels. You’ll have a demand for residential accommodation for international students coming on a year’s placement, but equally it affects more senior positions. We’ve struggled to find suitable family accommodation for people looking to move their career to Killarney.”
Some hotels, most notably the Hotel Europe, have taken matters into their own hands by providing their own accommodation for staff but Ms O’Shea says that’s not an option for everyone.
“That’s a considerable investment (€3 million) by the Hotel Europe but that just goes to show the level of the shortages. It’s not something that’s feasible for all hotels, and it is a longer process with planning and building. This is an immediate problem and it’s one we’ve experienced all summer.”
Ms O’Shea says it’s reassuring to see that there are some developments that have started in Killarney but “it will take time before we see a relief.”
“In terms of Airbnb, I do feel that there needs to be some regulation both in planning law and taxation policy so that it’s a level playing field.”
I also spoke to local businessman Cormac Casey about the issue and he confirmed that the current situation is a “nightmare” for business.
“It’s becoming increasingly difficult to attract staff to Killarney,” he said. “Even before you reach the interview stage, you’re at a disadvantage because would-be employees know that accommodation is a problem here. It has reached the stage where we’re actually entertaining the idea of purchasing property, just so we have somewhere for our staff and their families to live.
“That’s obviously a major problem because then you’re pumping cash resources into accommodation instead of into the business. It’s a real issue for many businesses in town and something needs to be done.”
Speaking to the Killarney Advertiser, estate agent Ted Healy said a number of factors were responsible for the severe lack of available rental properties.
“Over the past number of years, more and more landlords have exited the rental market than have entered it,” he said. “There are a number of reasons why this is the case. A large number of investment properties have been repossessed by financial institutions, and a large proportion of landlords have exited the market due to increased costs and taxes associated with renting a property.
“The lack of what one would describe as your traditional starter home/investment property (i.e. three-bed semis) has also stifled the rental market. This type of property has not been built in Killarney in the past number of years. Demand is there but supply is not.
“As a result of the tight market existing tenants are not moving around as much as they once did. Any tenant happy in a property is not going to give it up. Renters are staying where they are.”
This current rental crisis is clearly a major concern for the town and, worryingly, it appears as though there is no quick fix in sight.
What do you think? What steps can be taken to improve the situation? Let us know by emailing newsdesk@killarneyadvertiser.
News
Ballyspillane Community and Family Resource Centre launch Ageless roadshow
Ballyspillane Community and Family Resource Centre is putting on a series of meetings and talks to offer older members of the community a chance to meet people from organisations […]

Ballyspillane Community and Family Resource Centre is putting on a series of meetings and talks to offer older members of the community a chance to meet people from organisations that will enhance their lives.
The first talk will take place on October 3 at the Ballyspillane Community Resource Centre and will continue thereafter on a regular basis.
Thomas Doyle from SpecSavers will give the first talk and other groups like the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Alone, Family Carers Ireland, the Health and Safety Executive, Heartbeat Killarney, Be Active Be Well and the Parkinson’s Association of Ireland will join at future dates.
“We felt there was a need to bring all the organisations that can give older people the opportunity to come and meet organisations to offer support, services and activities that align with the life they wish to live,” said Sophie Haighway of the Ballyspillane Community Resource.
“The Ageless road show is a combination of organisations to help older people in the community. The groups that have committed to attend are the on alternative months. There will a guest speaker each month,”
The roadshow will be held in Ballyspillane CFRC the first Tuesday of every month from 12.30 pm-2 pm.
Further details from Sophie on 085 7723723.
News
Climb Carrauntoohil three times in one day
A Tipperary woman is going to attempt to climb Carrauntoohil three times in one day to raise money for a sick child. Nikita Conlon from Roscrea is a personal trainer […]
A Tipperary woman is going to attempt to climb Carrauntoohil three times in one day to raise money for a sick child.
Nikita Conlon from Roscrea is a personal trainer and care assistant who has been working in health care for 18 years.
While working at the Milford Care Centre she met the family of Noah Quish. The six-year-old from Monaleen, Limerick was born with serious health issues ranging from a heart defect, severe laryngomalacia, severe sleep apnoea, scoliosis and chromosome deletion.
‘I worked in the Milford Care Centre for five years where I met Una Quish, Noah’s mam, so I felt the need to do something to help his family. I decided to set up this fundraiser.
“I plan to set off at midnight on Friday October 6, and hope to finish at 5 pm on Saturday.
“I have previously Climbed Kilimanjaro in February 2023 and raised over €6000 for the Dean Maxwell Nursing Home in Roscrea,” she said.
“My whole life I have felt the need to help others and now it’s time to help Noah and I need the support to help him.
“This challenge is not going to be easy but I am going to give it my all.
“I have experienced hikers coming along on the day.’
Her plan is to leave Cronin’s Yard at midnight and to return to the starting point at 4.30 am. She will restart at 5 am from the bottom of the Devil’s Ladder. By 10 am on Saturday she hopes to have started her third and final lap.
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