Record High in Irish Homelessness Figures

The Department of Housing reported a record 15,378 individuals experiencing homelessness in the past month, marking an 11% increase from the same period last year. This total includes 10,725 adults and 4,653 children residing in emergency accommodations. Housing charities and opposition parties are calling for urgent government intervention. Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dublin Simon Community, described the situation as “spiralling out of control,” emphasizing the need for preventive measures and accelerated social housing construction. Erene Williamson of the Salvation Army highlighted the growing frustration among those in emergency accommodations due to perceived governmental inaction. Sinn Féin’s housing spokesperson, Eoin O’Brien, cautioned that proposed reductions to the tenant in situ scheme could worsen the crisis and advocated for an emergency response to prevent further increases in homelessness.