Ireland’s housing crisis has reached a new, alarming milestone as the number of people living in emergency accommodation surged to an unprecedented 14,429 in July, according to the latest figures from the Department of Housing. This sobering statistic, which includes 10,028 adults and 4,401 children, underscores the escalating struggle with homelessness across the country.
The July figures mark a further increase from June’s previous record of 14,303 people in emergency accommodation. Over the past year, the number of individuals without a stable home has risen by 1,582, representing a 12% increase. The crisis has particularly impacted families, with 2,096 now homeless – a 14% rise – including 4,401 children, which is up 15% since July 2023.
These official figures, however, don’t capture the full extent of the crisis. They exclude rough sleepers, those couch surfing, and individuals who are homeless in hospitals, prisons, asylum seeker shelters, or domestic violence centers. Among the adults in emergency accommodation, 61% are male and 39% female, with two-thirds classified as single adults. Of the 2,096 families affected, 1,205 are single-parent households.
The record-breaking numbers have sparked intense criticism from opposition parties. A Sinn Féin housing spokesman denounced the situation as “another grim homelessness record” for Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, asserting that the government’s housing plan is clearly not working. Labour leader Ivana Bacik described the latest figures as “utterly heartbreaking” and called for increased state involvement in housing delivery.
Focus Ireland, a prominent homeless charity, warned that “childhoods are being stolen” as the school year returns. The charity’s chief executive, Pat Dennigan, highlighted the harsh reality faced by thousands of children starting a new school year while living in emergency accommodation such as hotels and family hubs. The organization also revealed that nearly 900 families have now been homeless for more than a year, with over 400 of these families without a home for more than two years.
Despite the grim statistics, some organizations maintain a cautious optimism. Wayne Stanley, executive director of the Simon Communities of Ireland, stated that while the growth seems relentless, it’s crucial not to lose sight of the fact that the crisis can be overcome. He emphasized the importance of the upcoming six months, with the Budget and general election presenting opportunities to deliver decisive action on addressing homelessness.
As Ireland grapples with this escalating crisis, all eyes are on the government to implement effective strategies to curb the rising tide of homelessness. The coming months could prove critical in determining whether the country can turn the corner on what has become a national emergency, affecting thousands of lives across the Emerald Isle.