5,274 children homeless as crisis deepens ahead of Christmas
The number of homeless people in Ireland has hit another record high, with 16,766 people requiring emergency accommodation in October, including 5,274 children, according to the Department of Housing’s final report before Christmas.
The October figures include 11,492 adults and represent an increase of 152 people compared to September, with the number of children alone rising by 36. The data shows that in the year since October 2024, the number of people seeking emergency accommodation has increased by 12 percent, or 1,800 people.
Sinn Féin housing spokesman Eoin Ó Broin TD described the figures as “the highest level of homelessness for adults and children in modern history,” noting increases across all categories of homelessness. He pointed out the figures follow a Residential Tenancies Board report showing a 35 percent increase in eviction notices issued by landlords.
Ó Broin called on Housing Minister James Brown to impose an immediate six-month ban on evictions. “If James Brown, Micheál Martin and Simon Harris don’t want to see homelessness peak on Christmas Day, they need to act quickly,” he said.
The Sinn Féin spokesman also referenced a National Council of Women report highlighting the link between the housing crisis and violence against women, noting that women are often forced to remain with abusive partners due to lack of housing options.
Charities have described the record homeless numbers as “heartbreaking.” Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan said that for many homeless children, this will be their second or third Christmas in emergency accommodation. “Homeless children’s childhood is being stolen every day,” he added.
Simon Communities of Ireland executive director Bev Grogan warned that homeless numbers would continue to rise in 2026, noting that single adults are often a “forgotten group” in homelessness discussions.
Of those seeking emergency accommodation, 50 percent were Irish nationals, 29.8 percent were from non-EEA (European Economic Area) countries, and 20 percent were UK/EEA nationals, confirming that the housing crisis affects people across all backgrounds.
The record homelessness figures come despite government pledges to tackle the housing crisis and deliver 300,000 homes by 2030. The data underscores the gap between policy ambitions and the lived reality of thousands of families and individuals struggling to secure stable accommodation in Ireland’s severely constrained housing market.