The State’s homeless population has hit a new peak, reaching 13,841, with over 10,000 of those within Dublin itself, experiencing homelessness for the first time. This represents a growth of 310 individuals, or 2.2%, from January’s count of 13,531, as per data provided by the Department of Housing.
The information, which is current up to 26th February, is composed of 9,671 adults along with 4,170 children, and out of these children, 3,165 reside in the Dublin area. The population of homeless children experienced a surge of 143 in the past month.
State-wide homelessness continues its upward trajectory. In the same period of the previous year, 11,742 individuals were without a home. The current figure marks an augmentation of 2,099 or 17% in homelessness in the past year.
Data from February 2024 reveals that more than half (55%) of the homeless are Irish-born, while the rest originate from the EU, the UK (23%) or other regions (22%).
Dublin’s contribution to the State’s total homeless figure stands at 70%, with adult homelessness making up 6,935 and child homelessness hitting 3,165. This implies that Dublin’s homeless count has crossed 10,000 for the first time, amounting to 10,100.
Moreover, the tally of international protection applicants (IPAs) still waiting for accommodation offerings has escalated to 1,517, a rise from last week’s figure of 1,399.