Homelessness figures in Ireland hit another record high in September. 

Last month, there were 14,760 people living in emergency accommodation - 274 more than in August.

By comparison, in September 2023, there were 12,827 people living in emergency accommodation, meaning homelessness has increased by 15% in just 12 months. 

Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan said the figures were proof the Government needs to show “greater ambition” on housing. 

“We are urging the next Government to adopt a policy that allocates a fair portion of new social housing specifically for families who have been homeless long-term,” he said. 

“Such a targeted approach was instrumental in significantly reducing homelessness during the pandemic. 

“Homelessness was not even referred to in the main budget speeches but there is plenty of evidence policies can make a difference and homelessness is a solvable problem.” 

A man handing over keys to a house by an estate agent. Image: Natee Meepian / Alamy Stock Photo

Speaking ahead of the release of today’s figures, Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien said his department is working hard to prevent people from entering homelessness. 

“One measure that has been really successful is the purchase of homes with tenants in situ,” he said. 

“[These are] tenancies where people who have been on the housing list and where the landlord is selling. 

“Last year, we bought over 1,800 homes and we’ll do over 1,500 at least this year. 

“What that does is end an unsecure tenancy, converts a HAP tenancy into a social housing tenancy and adds to our social housing stock.” 

Housing targets

Yesterday, it emerged that fewer homes were built in the first nine months of this year than in the same period in 2023. 

Since January 1st, 21,634 houses and apartments have been completed - 691 less than were built between January and September 2023. 

Despite this, Minister O’Brien said he remains optimistic that the Government will “exceed” the target of 33,450 new homes it set itself in Housing for All.

Main image: A homeless person's tent. Picture by: Alamy.com