The number of people living in emergency accommodation in Ireland reached a new record high in April, with 17,548 individuals recorded — including 5,604 children.
New figures from the Department of Housing show that 11,944 adults and 5,604 children were accessing emergency accommodation during the month, reports Breaking News.
Some 7,445 of those were single households, while 2,659 were family households.
Compared to the previous month, that represents an increase of 31 people in emergency accommodation and a 13% rise on the same period last year, reports Breaking News.
The previous month’s figures had themselves set a record, with 17,517 people in emergency accommodation in March.
Homelessness levels have continued to climb since the total first passed 17,000 at the start of 2026, reports Breaking News.
Reacting to the figures, Focus Ireland called on the Government to significantly increase funding for Tenant in Situ purchases to protect people receiving State housing supports, such as the Housing Assistance Payment, from being displaced into homelessness.
The organisation described the continued rise in numbers as deeply concerning and called for renewed urgency in the Government’s response to the housing and homelessness crisis, reports Breaking News.
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