Latest data from the Department of Housing shows that homeless figures have once again risen, with a total of 14,760 people in emergency accommodation in September.
This marks a 1.9% increase from the previous month, with 4,561 of those individuals being children.
Dublin Simon Community has described the situation as “a worrying time,” anticipating increased demand on homeless services as winter approaches.
The Executive Director of the Simon Communities, Wayne Stanley, emphasized the need for a proactive approach from the next Government to address homelessness by 2030.
Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien expressed disappointment at the figures but highlighted efforts to prevent and address homelessness as the government’s top priority.
Sinn Féin’s Housing Spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin stated that the emergency accommodation system is at a breaking point, calling for urgent action to prevent further increases in homelessness.
Likewise, Labour leader Ivana Bacik labeled the situation as “nothing short of a national crisis,” urging the government to prioritize solutions for families without homes.
Focus Ireland echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for reform in social housing allocation to address the root causes of homelessness.