Airbnbs defended as vital for tourism in west Mayo town

NEGATIVE press around airbnbs has been commented on by a west Mayo councillor.

With no hotels in his area, Louisburgh Councillor Chris Maxwell says they are providing a vital service for the tourism industry.

All they are doing is providing a service and making a living, but operators generally seem to be getting a bad press, he told a Westport-Belmullet Municipal District meeting.

Commenting on the debate, Councillor Peter Flynn said the Westport rent pressure zone should have applied to the town, not extending to the electoral area, in his opinion.

He asked for clarification on the zoning, which is understood to expire in the coming months, saying he felt it is driving people out of long-term letting into short-term lets.

Councillor Flynn said Louisburgh and its hinterland had seen five hotels close over the past two decades, with the butcher's closing too around now.

As a council they needed to figure out where things are going wrong when a town like this has lost its key providers. They needed to see what can be done to get it on its feet.

There are a few issues around the butcher's closing on Saturday, said Councillor Maxwell, including rent, the price of meat and problems getting staff.

One of the finest tourism locations in Mayo, he agreed help is needed to bring the town back up to life.

Tourism is a significant factor and airbnbs provide a badly needed service, he added.

There are a lot of things going to happen in Louisburgh and he would be pushing to bring any development to the area.