Number of homeless people in State increases to more than 17,500, data shows

The number of people living in emergency accommodation in Ireland rose slightly in July to 17,527, according to figures released by the Department of Housing. This marks a small increase of 45 compared to June, continuing a trend of gradual growth in homelessness over the past year. Among those in emergency shelter, 11,868 were adults and 5,659 were children, representing a notable rise in the number of homeless children. The data also reveals that 2,724 families were housed in emergency accommodation, highlighting the growing strain on existing resources. The figures underscore a persistent challenge, with the number of homeless children increasing by 645 over the past year, a 13% rise. Similarly, the number of families in emergency accommodation has grown by 16% since July 2025, underscoring the severity of the crisis. Notably, the share of children in emergency accommodation has risen significantly, with 5,659 children recorded in July, marking a record high. Of these, 2,104 were aged 18–24, indicating a sharp increase among younger populations, while 272 were over 65, reflecting a modest but steady upward trend in elderly homelessness. The data also highlights regional disparities, with the Dublin area accounting for nearly 70% of all people in emergency accommodation. Despite a slight decline in the number of people in emergency shelter in Dublin compared to June, the city continues to bear the brunt of the crisis. In July, 12,298 people were in emergency accommodation in the capital, comprising 8,209 adults and 4,089 children. While the overall numbers dipped slightly, the number of homeless families in Dublin increased, reinforcing the need for targeted strategies to address the unique challenges faced by the city’s residents. Political leaders and advocacy groups have expressed concern over the slow pace of progress in tackling homelessness. Simon Communities of Ireland criticized the lack of political urgency, noting that lawmakers had cut short their summer holidays to return to the Dáil for discussions on fuel prices, yet no similar effort had been made to address the long-standing housing crisis. Executive Director Ber Grogan emphasized the need for urgent action, urging the government to prioritize preventing homelessness rather than merely responding after the fact. She argued that the current approach fails to provide sustainable solutions and leaves vulnerable populations without adequate support. Labour housing spokesperson Conor Sheehan called for immediate publication of the Child and Family Homeless Plan, which was promised by the Minister for Housing but has yet to materialize. He highlighted the continued failure of the government to deliver on its commitments, stating that child homelessness remains at alarming levels despite repeated assurances. Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne contrasted the government’s focus on temporary measures such as extending excise duty reductions with its reluctance to implement a no-fault eviction ban, arguing that such policies exacerbate the affordability crisis and drive more families into emergency accommodation. Focus Ireland’s CEO, Pat Dennigan, echoed concerns about the impact of homelessness on education, noting that over 5,500 children returned to school without stable housing. He warned that the ongoing crisis threatens to undermine educational outcomes and future opportunities for young people. Additionally, he pointed out that the data collected does not account for critical factors such as the age of children or the duration of their homelessness, leaving gaps in understanding the full scope of the problem. In Dublin, six out of ten families have been homeless for over a year, with 30% remaining in emergency accommodation for more than two years, illustrating the prolonged nature of the crisis.