The number of families in emergency accommodation in Dublin has hit a three-year low.
According to Dublin City Council, there are currently 1,103 families in emergency accommodation - the lowest number since May 2017.
Between January and March, 350 families exited from emergency accommodation into tenancies, compared to 237 during the same period last year.
The number of families living in hotels, meanwhile, is the lowest since early 2016.
There were 540 families in hotel accommodation at the end of March 2020, while at its peak in March 2017 that figure was 871.
According to Dublin City Council, there has been a gradual decrease in new presentations over recent months as well as an increased level of housing supply since late last year.
The council says the COVID-19 crisis has not yet had a 'real impact' on the number of families leaving emergency accommodation, but officials say they're hopeful the 'new property environment' means there will be a greater number of homes that will be able to serve as permanent social housing.
Responding to the newly-released figures, Pat Doyle - CEO of the Peter McVerry Trust - says there's an unexpected amount of accommodation available at the moment.
He explained: "One of the unexpected positives - and there are very few, to be honest - in relation to COVID-19 is that we've had more access to the private market, Airbnbs, hotels and other accommodation that were just off limits to us this time last year.
"Normally, coming into a summer - where All Ireland [championships] are on and there's massive tourism in the city - it would be very difficult to get a hotel or a B&B."
