New record high of almost 17,000 homeless, including 5,321 children – The Irish Times

The number of homeless people in the State continues to climb, having reached almost 17,000 people, including 5,321 children.

The new record high was described as “heartbreaking” by Focus Ireland, the largest non-statutory agency working with destitute families.

The charity described as “wrong” claims by Tánaiste Simon Harris this week that significant numbers of migrants were in emergency accommodation who “don’t have a housing right”.

It called on Mr Harris to “at the very least clarify his comments”.

The latest data, published on Friday by the Department of Housing, shows that during the week of November 24th to 30th there were 16,996 people living in emergency accommodation. That represents an increase of more than 200 in a month, from 16,766 in October. The number of homeless children is up from 5,274 in October and from 4,658 in November 2024.

This is the 11th consecutive increase since the start of last year, when the number was 15,286. It represents an 11.8 per cent increase since November 2024, when there were 15,199 people homeless.

None of these figures include people sofa surfing, sleeping rough, in domestic violence refuges or stuck in International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation despite having been recognised as refugees.

These figures show there were 11,675 homeless adults, of whom 7,382 (63 per cent) were single without child dependents. Almost 70 per cent of these, 5,036, were concentrated in Dublin.

[ Opposition criticises Tánaiste over comments linking homelessness to immigrationOpens in new window ]

Similarly, child and family homelessness is concentrated in the capital. Of the more than 5,000 homeless children, 3,939 (74 per cent) were in Dublin.

Looking at the citizenship of homeless adults, the report shows half (5,846) were Irish, 30 per cent (3,504) were from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and 20 per cent (2,325) were from the EEA/UK.

Those from outside the EEA who are here on work permits or have been granted refugee status have right to access housing supports, say those working in the sector.

Mike Allen, head of advocacy at Focus Ireland, said comments suggesting otherwise by the Tánaiste were “wrong”.

“The head of the Dublin Region Homeless Executive [Mary Hayes] has already said he is wrong on this matter, and Focus Ireland fully supports her view that he is wrong.

“It is not helpful to have a senior politician make such an incorrect claim, and he should at the very least clarify his comments,” he said.

Asylum seekers who are awaiting a decision on applications are directed to centres operated by IPAS.

Roughan MacNamara, head of media and communication with Focus Ireland, said a situation where 5,321 children were beginning 2026 from emergency accommodation was “heartbreaking”.

For many it was their second or even third new year in this plight.

“This is wrong and we can – and must – end this human crisis,” he said.

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The Simon Communities of Ireland expressed “deep concern” at the latest figures showing a further rise in homelessness.

The organisation’s executive director, Ber Grogan, said: “As we enter 2026, it is unacceptable that so many in Ireland are facing the year without a place to call home. These figures are a stark reminder that we must act urgently to provide support, affordable housing, and long-term solutions.”

Sinn Féin housing spokesman Eoin Ó Broin said the Government’s approach to housing was “driving record increases in homelessness”.

Social and affordable housing targets were “too low” and were “being missed year on year”, he said.

“There is no homeless prevention strategy in place. Funding for vital homeless prevention schemes such as tenant-in-situ has been cut. And the new tender for the Dublin housing first programme continues to be delayed,” he said.

Social Democrats spokesman Rory Hearne said: “This is the result after one full year of this Government. It is truly disgraceful.

“They haven’t prioritised homelessness and are too busy trying to come up with excuses while blaming vulnerable groups for their failures.”