Homelessness has risen to another record high, with almost 17,000 people now living in emergency accommodation, including more than 5,300 children, according to the latest figures from the Department of Housing.
The November data shows 16,996 people were homeless, an increase of 230 in one month and nearly 12% over the past year. Child homelessness has risen by 14% year-on-year, with 5,321 children across 2,525 families affected.
Focus Ireland described the figures as “heartbreaking”, warning that thousands of children have begun the new year without a stable home. Head of media communications Roughan Mac Namara said many children are experiencing homelessness for the second or third time, calling it “wrong” and preventable.
The charity has urged the Government’s new housing plan to deliver concrete results from 2026, including faster delivery of family-sized social homes and clear targets.
