Council staff will start removing and destroying lockboxes found on Dublin city's streets from April 14th.

The likes of AirBnB have been told they have six weeks to remove the self-check-in boxes, that allow tourists access to keys to holiday lets.

They are often left on footpaths, connected to bike stands and poles.

Dublin City Council’s Brendan O'Brien said they are a trip hazard.

“We have as to the best of our ability, reached out to the various different operators,” he said.

“It's not just AirBnB, there's several other ones.

“To date we haven't had much feedback from them, but we do intend to keep on with that process.”

Electronic lockboxes attached to a cable in front of a newly constructed office complex. Image: Alamy

Councillor Dermot Lacey accepts a lead-in time is needed for people trying to get into their holiday accommodation.

“If we have to wait five or six weeks to get it right and to give everybody a fairness - I mean, in particular, tourists who are coming into the city who expect to find the key in those lockboxes, I'm happy to live with that,” he said.

However, Councillor Lacey said the removal of lockboxes is “really welcome”.

He added they are “dirty, unsightly and trip hazards”.

A lockbox attacheed to some railings gives access to nearby short-term let accommodation in east London. Image: Alamy