The number of homeless people in emergency accommodation has reached a record high of 14,000, including over 4,000 children.

According to figures released by the Department of Housing, homeless figures have surpassed 14,000 for the first time since records began a decade ago. 

Between April 22nd and April 28th, there were 14,009 people in emergency accommodation, including 4,206 children. 

These figures represent a 14% increase in homelessness since last year when 12,259 were recorded in emergency accommodation. 

In Dublin, there are 10,216 people in emergency accommodation - including 3,188 children - also a 14% increase compared to April 2023. 

After the Dublin region, there is the highest number of homeless people in the southwest with 558 adults and 157 children in emergency accommodation. 

The lowest homeless figures were reported in the midlands at 148 (1%) registered. 

More than half (55%) of homeless adults in Ireland have Irish citizenship, while 23% are from the EU or UK and 22% are from outside Europe. 

These figures do not include people sleeping rough in tents.

Addressing homeless figures

Homeless charity Focus Ireland has said the Government must accept and implement policies recommended by the Housing Commission to reduce homeless figures. 

“An expert group which the Government itself established has now provided a pathway to solving homelessness along with the wider housing problem experienced by so many families across the country,” Focus Ireland Director of Advocacy Mike Allen said. 

‘’While it is positive that more social housing has been provided in the past year - and new targets are to be set - it remains a stark reality that homelessness has increased every month. 

“A key reason for the rising figures is that not enough of the new social housing allocations go to families and individuals trapped in emergency accommodation for lengthy periods.” 

The Housing Commission report recommends that Ireland’s housing deficit be addressed through ‘emergency action’. 

It also said there is a current deficit of between 212,500 and 256,000 homes in Ireland. 

In 2023, 11,939 new social homes and roughly 4,000 affordable homes were delivered by Local Authorities and Approved Housing Bodies. 

Homeless charity DePaul has called on the Government to raise its housing targets from 33,000 homes to 50,000 homes for 2025. 

Main image: St Vincent de Paul homeless shelter in Dublin Ireland. Image: culliganphoto / Alamy Stock Photo