Homeless figures hit ‘shocking’ all-time high of more than 15,500

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

The number of people in emergency homeless accommodation across Ireland has increased to a record of 15,580, according to the latest Government figures.

The data shows that 10,805 adults and 4,775 children were accessing emergency accommodation during the last full week of April.

In general, the number of people accessing emergency accommodation has been steadily increasing from approximately 8,000 in mid-2021.

The statistics do not include people sleeping rough, couch-surfing or homeless in hospitals or prisons, or those who are in shelter for asylum seekers or domestic violence centres.

Mike Allen, director of advocacy at Focus Ireland, said the figures show the “Government’s current approach to homelessness is failing”.

He said: “With the introduction of the new Housing Plan, the incoming minister has a vital opportunity to reset the policy. We have outlined our evidence-based recommendations in a detailed submission to support this change.

“It is totally unacceptable that there’s a record number of 4,775 children homeless as we approach summer.

“This should be a carefree time for children as they look forward to school holidays and the longer evenings.

“Instead of this, the harsh reality for many children who are homeless is that they are studying for exams while living in family hubs or hotels without anywhere suitable to even do their homework.”

 

The Simon Communities of Ireland urged the Government to “act decisively” on homelessness.

Ber Grogan, executive director of the organisation, said: “This is the highest level of homelessness Ireland has ever seen, and it’s unacceptable.

“Behind every number is a person – a family, a child, a life in crisis. We are pleading with Government leaders and local authorities to act decisively before this emergency becomes completely irreversible.”

The organisation said there should be “real investment” in prevention.

“On top of the rising numbers, we’re now facing unacceptable constraints on our ability to respond.

“In certain areas, there is no funding for second-hand housing acquisitions under tenant in situ (TIS) or the Homeless Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS).

“We are deeply concerned that these decisions will result in reduced supply and increased vulnerability for those already most at risk.”

 

The Dublin rough sleeper count for spring, carried out over the week of March 31st to April 6th, was published earlier this month and showed a decrease in rough sleeping since winter and spring 2024.

The number of individuals engaged with by outreach teams during the week was 121, a decrease of 13 (9.7 per cent) on winter 2024 when 134 were found to be rough sleeping during November 4th-10th week.

It represents a decrease of seven (5.5 per cent) on the spring 2024 count carried out in the week of April 8th-14th.

Sinn Fein housing spokesman Eoin O Broin TD said the Government must “urgently fund vital homeless services and reverse recent funding cuts”.

“The latest increase is shocking but not surprising. It is a stain on this Government and our society.

“We cannot allow ourselves to accept this as normal. We must continue to be outraged by the fact that so many children are forced into emergency accommodation due to Government decisions.

“It is clear that we need urgent emergency action to tackle this crisis. Government must immediately reverse the funding cuts to vital homeless supports such as Housing First and the tenant-in-situ scheme.

“It is time to get feet on the street and put as much pressure on Government to take emergency action now to tackle the housing and homeless crises.”