Homelessness hits new high

The number of people experiencing homelessness in Ireland has risen for the seventh consecutive month this year, with 16,058 men, women, and children recorded in emergency accommodation in July 2025, according to new figures from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

The July numbers represent an increase of 149 people (0.9%) compared to the previous month. 5,014 of these are children.

Over the 12 months since July 2024, the data reveals a staggering increase of 1,629 people (11.3%) in emergency accommodation:

• 2,343 were families, marking a 11.8% (247) increase over the year
• 5,014 were children, showing a 13.9% (613) rise in the same period
• 1,932 were 18-24 year olds, marking a 13.6% (232) increase over the year
• 256 were over 65 year olds, marking a 13.3% (30) increase over the year

Ber Grogan, Executive Director of the Simon Communities of Ireland, said:

“There are more people in homelessness than ever before.

“There are over 5,000 children whose lives are being impacted by trauma.

“Who cares? The Simon Communities of Ireland cares and we are calling on Government, policy makers, landlords, – all of the key stakeholders to show they care too.

“Ireland is a wealthy country with thousands of vacant homes.

“Ireland’s largest private landlord, Irish Residential Properties REIT (I-RES), reported profits of €16.3 million in the first half of 2025.

“This rise in corporate landlord profits highlights the stark imbalance between housing as a source of profit and the worsening human cost of homelessness.

“We cannot continue with business as usual while homelessness keeps rising.

“The time for action is now.”