Data released on Friday revealed a 14 per cent surge in homelessness figures within the State, pushing the number past 14,000 for the first-time ever, a record unwanted by the government, according to Enterprise, Trade and Employment’s Minister of State, Dara Calleary. From April 22nd to 28th, emergency accommodation was provided to 14,009, a figure which includes 4,206 minors, surpassing the previous year’s total of 12,259.
In Ireland’s capital, Dublin, the number of people without homes and in emergency housing rose by over 1,200 from the 9,010 reported April the previous year to 10,216. This includes a rise in homeless children from 2,722 to 3,188.
Appearing on RTÉ Radio 1 with Colm Ó Mongáin, Calleary confessed the government’s goal for affordable housing assistance has not been met. He expressed regret at the homelessness figures but also noted that efforts during April prevented an additional 1,300 people from ending up homeless.
Answering why the homelessness issues persist, Calleary pointed out varying reasons while admitting the issue’s complexity. He suggested that every person experiences unique contributing factors leading into homelessness. He highlighted the tenant in situ scheme, which was established when the no fault eviction ban was lifted, saying it had managed to establish 1,800 tenancies. He also emphasized the government’s on-going commitment to investing in aids for the issue.
Sinn Féin finance spokesman Pearse Doherty criticised the situation as being perpetuated by current policy, contending that an overhaul in government would be necessary to resolve the situation. He further accused Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael of overseeing a worsening homelessness scenario.
“The significance of forthcoming elections is underlined by the national crisis in housing,” claims Mr Doherty, who is both a politician and a parent to a 17 and 18-year-old. He is starkly aware of the problems young adults in rural Donegal face, remarking on their struggle to find affordable homes due to skyrocketing prices and rents. Many, he believes are being forced to migrate due to financial constraints. He fundamentally argues that the current government’s offering is far from sufficient.
Whilst acknowledging a rise in housing stock, he argues that is overshadowed by the concerning increase of homeless children, numbering 1,500 more since the government came to power a mere four years ago. The situation is particularly bleak in Donegal, where rents have surged by a staggering 74%. The staggering cost of living, combined with the region’s low income and disposable earnings, render rent payments a significant struggle for many.
According to him, lack of rent control measures or limitations on landlords’ rental hikes is exacerbating the situation. From his grassroots interactions, he often hears of landlords drastically increasing rents by sums of €300, forcing tenants into dire straits.
Mr Doherty also highlighted community concerns surrounding immigration and its impeding on local services, ahead of the local and European elections. He criticises the media for focusing obsessively on this topic, whilst acknowledging the validity of such concerns. He places blame squarely on the government for their failure to plan adequately, resulting in communities’ justified anxieties.