16 hours ago
Rise in number of people recorded as homeless last month
The number of men, women and children experiencing homelessness increased in May compared to the previous month.
Latest figures from the Department of Housing show 15,747 adults and children were accessing emergency accommodation.
The figure is up from 15,580 in April.
The number of children is 4,844 - up from 4,775, while the number of adults increased to 10,903 from 10,805.
Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan said the figures show "the Government's current approach to homelessness is failing".
"There needs to be far more urgency in the Government's response to help end this terrible human crisis," he added.
The charity's CEO called on the Government to reform the Housing Assistance Payment scheme and "must deliver a radical policy shift to provide a range of housing".
'We just heard this week that the new Housing and Homelessness Plan is now delayed until at least September," Mr Dennigan said.
"We need action now and there are some actions the Government could take immediately to improve the situation," he added.
The Dublin Simon Community said that while a housing crisis may be on the political agenda, "its most devastating consequence - homelessness - remains overlooked".
It added that "there is doubt as to whether the Government cares about addressing the instability, harsh and immediate realities" of the homeless figures.
The Dublin Simon Community CEO said "stability must be at the forefront in addressing the chaotic housing market with chronic shortages".
"All eyes are now focused on a housing plan and Budget 2026 as to what it will provide as incentives to kickstart a greater housing supply in a market that has plateaued," Catherine Kenny said.
"As the new rental rules will do little to help those stuck in emergency accommodation, the next national housing plan, due in a few weeks, must bring meaningful measures for those who are experiencing homelessness," she added.
'Shameful milestone'
Sinn Féin and the Social Democrats said the rising homeless figures were a result of Government failures.
Sinn Féin's housing spokesperson Eoin Ó'Broin said the increase in child homelessness figures over the decade "is the direct result of the failure of Government to deliver a sufficient volume of social and affordable homes".
The Social Democrats housing spokesperson called the child homelessness figures "a shameful milestone".
Rory Hearne said the figures are a "direct result of policy choices made by the Government", adding such failures are "intolerable and inexcusable".
"The state could be facing a national redress scheme for children who have been in emergency accommodation," he said.
