The number of people who are homeless and relying on emergency accommodation has slightly increased again, reaching a new record of 15,418 individuals, reports RTE.
This March data includes 4,675 children experiencing homelessness.
Figures released by the Department of Housing show that there was a rise of 40 people using emergency accommodation in March compared to February, reports RTE.
This total of 15,418 marks a 10% increase compared to March 2024.
The count of homeless children has also grown by 11% year-on-year.
The statistics indicate that most adults in emergency housing fall between the ages of 25 and 44, with 5,742 people in that range, reports RTE.
Additionally, the report shows 1,798 people are aged 18 to 24, while 2,969 are aged 45 to 64, and 234 are aged 65 and over.
In Dublin alone, 11,024 adults and children were living in emergency accommodation in March — an increase of 76 compared to February’s figure of 10,948.
Outside Dublin, the highest numbers of families in emergency housing were seen in Kildare, Meath, and Wicklow in the mid-east, and in Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon in the west, reports RTE.
Across the country, a total of 2,212 families are now in emergency accommodation.
The same report states that during the first three months of the year, 796 adults exited emergency accommodation after securing tenancies, and an additional 850 people avoided entering the system altogether.
The Department of Housing releases monthly homelessness reports, which focus on the number of people housed in emergency accommodation that is both funded and managed by housing authorities during a specific reference week, reports RTE.
These statistics do not include individuals sleeping rough, asylum seekers, refugees, those in domestic violence shelters, or people in “hidden homelessness” like those staying in cars, on sofas, or in unfit housing conditions.
Figures directly related to Govt missing social housing targets – Focus Ireland, reports RTE.
The head of Focus Ireland has stated that the new homelessness figures are directly linked to the Government’s failure to meet its social housing construction targets.
Pat Dennigan also attributed the figures to the earlier closure of a major homelessness prevention programme due to budget reductions.
“For years Focus Ireland has been arguing that homelessness is not inevitable but is a consequence of the policies in place – and could be solved with better policies,” he said, reports RTE.
Mr Dennigan added: “We could not have a clearer demonstration of this than today’s figures.
“The Government fell nearly 1,500 homes short of its 9,300 social housing target last year because it chose to choke off momentum in the approved housing sector by not signing off on funding for pipeline projects, reports RTE.
“Similarly, budget restrictions in the Tenant in Situ Scheme, which successfully prevents homelessness when landlords decide to sell up, will inevitability result in people becoming homeless who would otherwise have remained securely housed,” he said, reports RTE.
“Increases in homelessness are the predictable consequence of the choices the Government is making and the policies it is choosing. We have a new Minister, now we need new policies,” Mr Dennigan said, reports RTE.
He added: “The human consequence of these policy decisions is that, as schools reopen this Monday after the Easter break, 4675 children will be facing the daily reality of life in emergency accommodation – many without a quiet space to do their homework or simply be children. This distressing situation is a stark indictment of our homeless crisis, and we must not lose sight of the fact that it is entirely preventable,” reports RTE.
“If the Government had continued to fund the Tenant in Situ Scheme homeless prevention scheme we would have seen homelessness fall this month,” reports RTE.
Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dundalk Simon Community, said the figures don’t fully capture the extent of the homelessness problem.
“Emergency accommodation is limited. Beds are full or near capacity. People can only access it when someone else leaves or a new space opens up.
“That means this staggering figure isn’t rising in line with need – it’s capped by space, not by demand,” she said, reports RTE.
Ms Kenny added: “In other words, many more are left to rough sleep or live in unsafe and unsuitable conditions in hidden homelessness.
“We have a crisis that should shock the conscience of the country and especially of those who run it. When the number of people living in emergency shelters matches the population of a whole town, something is deeply broken. We must not allow ourselves to normalise this level of human suffering,” she said, reports RTE.
“What we need to see is sufficient funding for the housing and health solutions that will help people exit homelessness and prevent them from facing it in the first place,” she added, reports RTE.
“Given the recent upending of international trade arrangements, it is now even more important to invest in housing infrastructure that can be safeguarded from the volatility of the global economy,” reports RTE.
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