Sir, - Tourism in Ireland is booming, also the number of foreigners that come to purchase land and property, much of which are used solely as holiday homes.
The value of such sought after property is soaring to such heights that an ever increasing number of Irishmen and women are no longer able to acquire such properties.
Is it not high time to pass a law, such as exists in Denmark, which successfully protects and prevents itself being sold off to foreigners?
In order for a foreigner to purchase property in Denmark, which has to be lived in the whole year round, one must apply for a permit, which is only granted when one has a valid work permit and is able to prove that one can support oneself financially.
Foreigners who don't live in Denmark have virtually no chance of being granted permits to purchase holiday residences Hence the renting of such houses is an enormous and very profitable business.
Ireland is small and there are few who benefit from selling to foreigners. Yet many who must suffer under the consequences.
Yours, etc.,
Grunermeg 15, 28195 Bremen, Germany