Ireland’s homelessness figures have once again scaled new heights.
The latest data from the Department of Housing shows 15,378 individuals now in emergency accommodation nationwide, including 10,948 in Dublin—an 8% year-on-year increase.
The latest report also includes 1,520 families and 3,434 children living in emergency accommodation in Dublin.
The new tallies don't even account for those rough sleeping, refugees, asylum seekers, individuals in domestic violence shelters, or those in hidden homelessness—people sleeping in cars, on couches, or in unsuitable living conditions.
Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dublin Simon Community, said, “What have those elected to power done to address the roots of the problem? 2024 housing targets were not achieved and the possible changes to rent zones and the Tenant-in-Situ Scheme may lead even more people to homelessness. When will they recognise their duty to take real action to resolve this crisis and put an end to the suffering of thousands across the country? Has the Government’s commitment to end homelessness by 2030 been forgotten entirely?”
She added, “The fact that there are over 15,000 people in this country without a place to call home and almost 11,000 in the capital is nothing but a great source of shame. It is a national embarrassment, one that continues to worsen, and thousands keep being left behind. In February of last year, there were 13,841 citizens in emergency accommodation. Since then, this number has increased by 1,537. In Dublin, the number increased by 848 during this period. Once again, Dublin Simon Community is calling on the Government to take decisive action. The only way to turn the tide and bring these numbers down is to implement policies that match the scale of this emergency.”
Dublin Simon Community is urging investment in concrete solutions
Dublin Simon Community also urges the Government adopt an interdepartmental approach, addressing the other issues closely linked to homelessness in areas like health, education, equality and more
“We have been in the depths of a crisis for a long time now and it appears some have become desensitised to the horrors faced by those experiencing homelessness. As a wealthy country, we must recognise the suffering of our most vulnerable and take the necessary actions to help those in need. The Government has a duty to meet people’s basic needs and afford them the dignity of a home.”
“Without addressing the various factors that lead people to homelessness, we will fail to prevent it,” said Kenny. “Housing is a crucial piece in the prevention puzzle, but we cannot view it as a fix-all solution.”
“The people living, or surviving, in emergency accommodation, have already been let down. We must show them the respect they deserve and recognise their plight. It is long overdue that the Government, and we, as a society, address this injustice.”
