Homeless figures exceed 15,000 for first time

The number of people in homeless accommodation in Ireland has exceeded 15,000 for the first time.

The latest figures published by the Department of Housing showed that 15,199 people were availing of homeless services in Ireland in November, up from October’s figure of 14,966.

Of that 15,199 figure, 10,925 are in Dublin.

The Dublin Simon Community has noted that accounts for a 10% year-on-year increase in the capital.

Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dublin Simon Community, said “between the election campaign and the government formation talks, our politicians have spent the last couple of months outlining what they see as the best way forward for our country. While we have listened to numerous promises, a simple fact remains: there are now over 15,000 people in emergency accommodation across the country, a number previously thought inconceivable. As each number continues to shatter the record made by the last, the term crisis begins to lose all meaning.” 

“The time for political debate is over,” Kenny added “the incoming government must act decisively and urgently to protect the most vulnerable in our society. Words are not enough—now is the time for tangible action.” 

“With a new government taking shape, there is an opportunity for bold action. Preventative measures are key to stopping the flow of individuals and families into homelessness, while increasing the stock of social and affordable housing is essential to ensure homeownership is accessible to all, regardless of income. Without urgent, coordinated action, this crisis will continue to spiral.” 

Newly-elected Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne noted “when the previous government was formed in June 2020, there were 8,699 people in homeless emergency accommodation, 2,653 of them children; as the country went to the polls at the end of November, there were 15,199 people living in homeless emergency accommodation.

“Shockingly, 4,658 of these are children – a 76 per cent increase in a single term of office.”

The Dublin North-West TD noted “we do not live in a country that lacks the resources to deal with this crisis. A single child becoming homeless is unacceptable during successive years of budget surpluses. However, having thousands of homeless children is incomprehensible and scandalous.”

“There are measures we should be taking to protect people from the trauma of homelessness. A ban on no-fault evictions should be immediately introduced so that individuals and families paying their rent can stay in their homes.”

“The next government needs to take a radically different approach to housing – one that abandons sweetheart deals for vulture funds and developers and instead focuses on ramping up the delivery of social and genuinely affordable homes,” he stated.
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“Having more than 15,000 people homeless is a grim milestone and a damning indictment of failed housing policy by successive governments.”

“The Social Democrats will not turn our backs on those suffering because of the housing crisis,” he added.