Ireland's Emergency Accommodation Hits Record 17,548 in April; Child Homelessness Up 17% Since April 2025
Ireland's emergency accommodation hit a record 17,548 people in April, including 5,604 children, a 13% annual increase. Charities like Focus Ireland and Depaul urge urgent government action, increased funding, and inter-departmental cooperation to address the crisis, citing failed housing policies and anticipated evictions. Concerns rise for vulnerable groups, including children and those leaving IPAS accommodation.
Ireland's emergency accommodation figures reached a new record high in April, with 17,548 people housed, according to the Department of Housing. This total includes 11,944 adults and 5,604 children across 2,707 families. This represents an increase of 31 people from the previous month and a 13% rise year-on-year. Child homelessness specifically increased by 17% since April 2025.
While overall numbers rose, Simon Communities of Ireland noted a decrease in homelessness among single households and those over 65, with 265 seniors homeless in April, down from 279 in March. Ber Grogan, Executive Director, highlighted that an average of four people enter homelessness daily, and individuals are spending longer in emergency housing due to a lack of move-on options. Grogan urged all stakeholders, including landlords, to collaborate with the Government and local authorities to address the issue.
Focus Ireland called for urgent government action, specifically increased funding for Tenant in Situ purchases to protect families and individuals receiving State housing supports like the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), who face high risk of eviction. CEO Pat Dennigan criticized the government for inaction despite anticipating increased eviction notices, with over 7,000 issued in the first three months of the year, describing the scale as «truly shocking».
Depaul described the figures as «hugely disappointing», noting they exclude over 5,000 individuals with permission to remain who are stuck in IPAS emergency accommodation, with more than 1,000 required to leave this summer. CEO David Carroll warned that without intervention, many with refugee status or permission to remain risk homelessness due to pressure on the private rental market. He called for inter-departmental cooperation and a specific strategy to prevent homelessness for those leaving the IPAS system.
Sinn Féin's Eoin Ó Broin and Social Democrats' Rory Hearne attributed the crisis to «disastrous Government housing policies» and record-high evictions. Hearne added that thousands of families in hidden homelessness, sleeping rough or couch surfing, are not counted as some emergency hubs are at capacity. Anthony Byrne of the Salvation Army's Dublin Houben House Family Hub expressed concern for teenagers in emergency accommodation during summer, citing potential negative effects on their relationships, friendships, and mental health.