Homelessness in Ireland has hit a new peak, with 16,766 individuals relying on emergency housing during October, according to the latest Government figures.
The Department of Housing’s latest report indicates that emergency accommodation served 11,492 adults and 5,274 minors that month. This represents an uptick of 152 from the prior month, when 16,614 people sought such support.
Among the adults, 2,299 originate from the European Economic Area or the United Kingdom, and 3,428 originate from non-EU countries, bringing the foreign national total to 5,727 – or roughly 49.8% of all adults.
Looking back over the year from October 2024, emergency accommodation usage has surged by 1,800 individuals, a 12% jump.
Department statistics show 6,873 males in this group, reflecting a 9.6% rise (603 more) annually.
Additionally, 267 elderly people aged 65 and older were affected, showing a 17.6% growth (40 more) compared to the previous year.
Meanwhile, the number of children experiencing homelessness climbed by 36 compared to the month prior. The 5,274 children marked a 13.5% rise (629 additional) year-on-year. A further 4,619 were women – a 14% (568) annual increase.
Reacting to the figures, the Dublin Simon Community lamented the lack of progress on the homelessness issue.
“While the recently published housing plan sets out how the Government intends to address the crisis, the final homelessness report of the year shows that the crisis continues to deepen,” the charity said.
“Dublin Simon Community has warned that Ireland is closing 2025 without the coordinated housing, health, and social supports required to reduce numbers. With the winter already biting, people are again being left to survive in freezing conditions on the streets and unsecured accommodation.
“Many are fearful that the new housing plan will not reverse the trend of ever-increasing homelessness, but the record-breaking 16,766 people in emergency accommodation require immediate action.”
Catherine Kenny, CEO of the organisation, condemned the figures.
“We are finishing the year almost exactly as we began with homelessness rising, with emergency accommodation stretched to its limits and with people forced to sleep in the cold,” she said.
“Nobody should be sleeping on the streets in Ireland in 2025. Nobody should be raising a child in a hotel room. And nobody should end another year without the basic security of a place to live.”