Homelessness hits new high as 39 more children in emergency accommodation

The latest figures show that 17,527 people are homeless in Ireland.

Of those living in emergency accommodation, 5,659 are children. This is an increase of 39 children since last month.

This is the equivalent of at least 220 primary school classes.

Overall homelessness remains significantly higher over the last 12 months, with overall levels in July 2026 standing 9 per cent higher than in July 2025. 

Over the 12 months since July 2025, the data reveals an increase of 1,469 (9.1%) in emergency accommodation: 

• 2,724 were families, marking a 16% (381) increase over the year
• 5,659 were children, showing a 13% (645) rise in the same period 
• 2,104 were 18-24-year-olds, marking a 9% (172) increase over the year 
• 272 were over 65-year-olds, marking a 6% (16) increase over the year 

The figures come as the Government has brought TDs back to Leinster House during the summer recess to discuss rising fuel prices.

Simon Communities of Ireland has criticised the lack of political urgency around Ireland’s homelessness crisis, following the latest increase in the number of men, women and children living in emergency accommodation.

Ber Grogan, Executive Director of the Simon Communities of Ireland, said:

“Today TDs have cut short their summer holidays to return to the Dáil to discuss fuel prices. While we welcome action to support households facing rising fuel costs, we need to see that same sense of urgency when it comes to homelessness," she said.

"It is increasingly frustrating that homelessness does not appear to be seen as a crisis by our elected representatives. Behind every one of these figures is a person, a family, a child or an older person who does not have a place to call home."