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The Journal
16 hours ago
- Politics
- The Journal
Homelessness figures hit record of 15,747 people in emergency accommodation
LAST UPDATE | 10 mins ago A RECORD NUMBER of people in the State are officially recognised as homeless as the latest figures reveal 15,747 people were living in emergency accommodation in May. This is an increase of 167 people on the 15,580 people recorded as homeless in April. The figure includes 4,844 children – some 69 more than last month. The statistics do not include people rough sleeping, refugees, asylum seekers, individuals in domestic violence shelters, or those experiencing 'hidden homelessness', such as sleeping in cars, on couches, or other unsuitable living conditions. The figures are taken from the week of 19-25 May Of the adults accessing emergency accommodation, 7,734 were in Co Dublin. Some 655 adults were in Cork, 505 were in Limerick, and 236 were in Galway. Meanwhile, there were 3,589 children living in emergency accommodation in Dublin. There were also 2,273 accessing emergency accommodation. Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan said the 'government's current approach to homelessness is failing'. Advertisement 'There needs to be far more urgency in the Government's response to help end this terrible human crisis,' he added. Dublin Simon Community has called on Taoiseach Michéal Martin to 'bring stability to an unstable market for those in precarious rental agreements and those with nowhere to call home'. 'A housing crisis may be on the political agenda, but its most devastating consequence — homelessness — remains overlooked,' added Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dublin Simon Community. Elsewhere, Sinn Féin's housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin accused the government of 'failing children'. He remarked that since 2014, 'there has been a 450% increase in child homelessness'. 'The dramatic increase in child homelessness over the last decade is the direct result of the failure of government to deliver a sufficient volume of social and affordable homes,' said Ó Broin. 'It is the result of government failing to prevent families with children from becoming homeless and a result of the government's failure to get families with children out of emergency accommodation in a timely manner.' Meanwhile, the Social Democrats described it as a 'shameful milestone'. Its housing spokesperson Rory Hearne remarked that the State 'could be facing a national redress scheme for children who have been in emergency accommodation'. 'The government knows the deeply damaging impact any length of time in homelessness has on young people, yet it is not doing everything it can to prevent children from becoming homeless,' he added. Hearne called on the government to 'maintain rent caps between tenancies, and extend the no fault evictions ban to all tenancies'. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
RTÉ News
16 hours ago
- Politics
- RTÉ News
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.
Dublin Live
22-05-2025
- Business
- Dublin Live
Construction begins on 95 social homes in north Dublin
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Construction commenced this week in Cabra for Focus Housing Association's housing development at Blackbird Park. The project will see 95 A2-rated social homes delivered at the 2.03-hectare site on Dominican Sisters lands off Ratoath Road. The Dominican sisters gifted the land to Focus Housing Association will be delivered in collaboration with Dublin City Council, Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage and the Housing Finance Agency. The 95 A2-Rated social homes will comprise of 14 two-bedroom apartments, 21 two-bedroom apartments, 13 two-bed duplex, 13 three-bed duplex and one four-bed duplex dwellings across five three-storey blocks. The development will also include two community rooms for future tenant use and considerable public open space of over 7,300m², including a public green area and children's play space. Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony, Pat Dennigan, CEO of Focus Ireland, said: 'Focus Housing Association is honoured today to deliver Blackbird Park in due course. This represents our largest housing scheme to date, and, I'm privileged to say developed and designed by Focus Housing Association with support and guidance from ABK Architect's, and A2 Architects and JFOC Architects. "These energy-efficient, sustainable, and high-quality homes will be provided to families and individuals most in need and is only possible because of the generous donation of land received from the Dominican Sisters, Cabra to Focus Housing Association. "This year, marks Focus Ireland 40th Anniversary, however, we don't see it as something to celebrate when so many people are affected by the current housing situation and upward challenges of homelessness in our society. Therefore, developments like Blackbird Park are the type of scheme helping us meet our new build social housing delivery targets and allowing us to strengthen social cohesion and grow community life for long-term homeless families and individuals struggling to find a place to call home." Speaking at the sod-turning at Blackbird Park Minister for Housing, James Browne said, 'I'm delighted to be here today in the constituency of Dublin Central to turn the sod at this important housing scheme which showcases the positive impact of environmental regeneration can have on our housing situation. "As we work towards addressing the challenges, to resolving and increase the supply of housing, all forms of housing an achieving the targets outlined under a new Housing for All plan, developments such as The Blackbird Park site in Ratoath Road, Cabra will alleviate some of the pressure on the housing market and provide quality and sustainable homes for families, young people and the wider community through CALF, HFA funds. "I want to commend Focus Housing Association and Focus Ireland, who, working with the State – at local authority level with Dublin City Council, with the Housing Finance Agency and with my own Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, have been able to get this development over the line. Partnership and cooperation with approved housing bodies (AHBs), such as Focus Housing Association, is vital as we improve delivery speed and work to meet new Housing for All targets.' Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
