'Appalling situation': Another record as number of homeless people in Ireland hits 14,159

In May, there were 9,843 adults in emergency accommodation, according to the latest update from the Department of Housing. This figure includes 2,051 families. Picture: Sasko Lazarov / © RollingNews.ie

The number of people homeless in Ireland has risen to 14,159, the highest ever recorded.

This figure includes 4,316 children in emergency accommodation - the highest number ever recorded.

In May, there were 9,843 adults in emergency accommodation, according to the latest update from the Department of Housing. This figure includes 2,051 families.

Last month, figures published for April showed that the number of homeless people in Ireland had topped 14,000 for the first time. 

Some 14,009 people were recorded as using emergency accommodation in April this year, including 9,803 adults.

Focus Ireland said the figures were “truly heartbreaking” and represented an “appalling situation”.

CEO Pat Dennigan said: “The aim must be to end long-term homelessness, as opposed to managing it through providing more emergency beds. This is why our pre-budget submission to Government calls for an urgent increase in the annual social housing targets and measures for homelessness prevention.” 

The Simon Communities of Ireland said that the ever-increasing numbers should not “feed a sense of fatalism” and the next six months were an “important window” of opportunity to tackle this issue.

“Budget 2025 and the next programme for Government will set the framework for success or failure,” its executive director Wayne Stanley said.

“Budget 2025 needs to see greater investment in social housing, investment in health support for those in homelessness, and support to local authorities to invest in prevention services.” Social Democrats housing spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan castigated the Government after the publication of the figures.

“When this Government took office, there were 8,699 people in homeless emergency accommodation. Even at that time this was unacceptably high and we were promised action to deal with the crisis.

“Since then, homelessness has increased by 63%. This cannot continue. A disaster of this scale must be treated with the urgency it deserves.”