The number of individuals accessing emergency homeless accommodation in Ireland has reached another record high as of last month, surpassing 13,841 in total.
In February there were 13,841 people in emergency accommodation, including 4,170 children – the highest number ever recorded.
February’s overall figures represent an increase of 310 from January, the month previous.
Moreover, according to the Dublin Simon Community charity, homeless figures in the capital city of Dublin surpassed 10,000 for the first time ever – a fact which they described as “shocking.”
“Shocking homeless figures released today show that the number of people in emergency accommodation nationally continues to grow month on month, reaching a record high of 10,100 in our capital city, with 203 more people seeking shelter in Dublin in February than in January,” they said in a statement.
“73% of all affected people nationally are in Dublin, equating to 1,457 families, 3,165 children, and 4,419 single adults.”
Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dublin Simon, said it was “a devastating figure for our capital city.”
“Behind the numbers are real people, real families, and real children worrying about where they will spend their nights. Each statistic represents a life in turmoil, a family facing uncertainty, a child robbed of stability,” she said.
Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien said that the “number one challenge” for the Government was ensuring that people were brought out of homelessness, and that the reasons for homelessness were often complex.
He further said that the long-term solution to the situation was to increase the country’s housing supply, adding that homeless people are spending less time in emergency accommodation now.