Paul Hosford: Ireland’s homelessness crisis didn’t just grow — our reaction to it quietly changed

Homelessness in Ireland has quadrupled in a decade — but public outrage has quietly faded as the crisis drags on
Since 2015, homelessness in Ireland has not only increased in numbers, it has also been accompanied by a noticeable shift in public attitudes.

Since 2015, homelessness in Ireland has not only increased in numbers, it has also been accompanied by a noticeable shift in public attitudes.

Sat, 07 Mar, 2026 - 00:58
Paul%20Hosford
Paul Hosford
Paul Hosford is a member of the Irish Examiner's politcal staff and writes across a range of subjects.

There was a time when homelessness, or even people living in emergency accommodation, shocked us as a nation. It wasn’t that long ago either.

In 2018, as the once-unthinkable Rubicon of 10,000 homeless was crossed, Sinn Féin housing spokesman Eoin Ó Broin said housing minister Eoghan Murphy should “do the decent thing and resign”.

You have reached your article limit. Already a subscriber? Sign in

Save €40 on an Annual Subscription.​

Continue reading within unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber benefits.

Cancel anytime

CONNECT WITH US TODAY

Whatsapp logo

WHATSAPP

Newsletter logo

NEWSLETTERS

Notification logo

NOTIFICATIONS

Be the first to know the latest news and updates

More in this section

Sarah Harte: Openly admitting our mental health struggles could make society more tolerant Sarah Harte: Openly admitting our mental health struggles could make society more tolerant
Launch of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre Annual Report S Fergus Finlay: Consent ads are not about causing offence — they’re about getting conversations going
Russia US Shona Murray: Trump is weakening Ukraine and the ICC — will Europe finally stand up to Washington?
#Homelessness#HousingPerson: Paul Hosford
<p>Members of the Dutch jazz outfit The Busquitos outside Bar Barossa on Oliver Plunkett Street during the Cork Jazz Festival at the weekend. Picture: Noel Sweeney</p>

S Michael Moynihan: Sodcasting, subscriptions, decentralisation and all that jazz

READ NOW

Revoiced

Newsletter

Had a busy week? Sign up for some of the best reads from the week gone by. Selected just for you.

Latest

Most Read

Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited