Almost 17,000 people were homeless in Ireland over Christmas 

File picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Almost 17,000 people were in emergency homeless accommodation over the Christmas period. 

Figures released by the Department of Housing show 11,546 adults and 5,188 children were homeless in December, a total of 16,734 people.

The figure is a slight decrease from the previous month, when 16,996 were listed as being homeless. That total was made up of 11,675 adults and 5,321 children, both of which are record levels.

The Simon Communities of Ireland said that while the decrease in the number of homeless people is welcome, it was expected. 

"Each year, there is typically a reduction in the number of people experiencing homelessness in December due to the Christmas period," said executive director Ber Grogan. "Lower figures at this time often reflect people being temporarily offered respite by friends or family."

The charity said the reduction must be sustained and that there are serious concerns that numbers are set to rise again in the coming months.

More to follow...