Latest figures from the Housing Department reveal that homelessness in the State has reached unprecedented levels, with over 14,000 individuals experiencing homelessness for the first time since data began to be compiled ten years ago.
Statistics released last Friday reveal that during the week from April 22nd through to the 28th, 14,009 persons, including 4,206 children, were reliant on emergency accommodation, reflecting a rise of 14 per cent from the 12,259 homeless citizens reported the previous year.
In the capital, Dublin, a total of 10,216 individuals, inclusive of 3,188 children, sought emergency accommodation. This shows a surge of over 1,200 from the same time last year when 9,010 people, 2,722 of whom were children, were experiencing homelessness.
The figures show a 10 per cent increase in homeless single adults, standing at 6,457 across the country, and a 9.6 per cent rise in Dublin, where the number reached 4,527.
The procedure of collating homelessness data according to the current format was initiated by local authorities in July 2014 and it is updated weekly by the department.
Focus Ireland has labelled the figures as “disturbing”. Its advocacy director, Mike Allen, criticised the slow progress made in delivering social housing, particularly for the over 4,000 homeless children.
Allen pointed out the pressing issue of homelessness increasing each month. He attributed this to an insufficient allocation of new social housing to families and individuals who have been stuck in emergency accommodation for prolonged periods.
Depaul’s CEO, David Carroll, referred to the record figures as “stark”, and emphasised the pressing need to implement the recommendations outlined in the Housing Commission Report.
The report, released recently, highlighted a housing deficit of over 250,000 homes in Ireland and called for this to be tackled through immediate action. Depaul has also recommended an increase in government housing goals from 33,000 to 50,000 homes for the coming year. This adjustment aligns with a comprehensive review of the national housing policy, considering how to tackle the housing deficit identified by the commission over the next decade.
Catherine Kenny, chief executive of Dublin Simon, described the figures as “disheartening”, and called for collective action to address the national housing crisis.
She mentioned that the upcoming local elections on 7th June present a chance for the voters to prioritise housing and homelessness as the leading concerns on the day of voting.