AQW 33885/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 20/10/2025
Answered On Date: 07/11/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the work her Department has undertaken, to date, in the cross-departmental group considering short-term holiday lets, including any recommendations or proposed actions for her Department, to help protect housing availability in coastal towns, such as Portstewart.

Answer:

While the lead role on housing policy rests with the Department for Communities (DfC), my officials continue to engage on the cross-departmental working group comprising DfC, DfI and DfE. The group is currently working to finalise Terms of Reference to enable DfC to commission research. The purpose of the research is to provide a more informed understanding of the relative impact, if any, of short-term/holiday lets in the North on housing supply. It is the current intention that a final research report will be available later next year.