Rory Hearne: Homelessness in Ireland now exceeds pre-pandemic levels

Covid response showed we can make a difference to people living in poverty — but the effective and swift action has not continued

The number of homeless families increased by 47%, from 925 families and 2,193 children in April 2021 to 1,366 families and 3,028 children in May 2022. Picture: Yui Mok/PA

The lifting of Covid-related eviction bans and rent freezes, combined with the explosion in the costs of living and lack of truly affordable housing has contributed to house and rent price rises, a surge in evictions, rent, and mortgage arrears, and homelessness across Europe. 

But Ireland is one of the worst affected.