Homeless Figures Rise As Child Numbers Hit New Record

The new figures are out

The latest homeless figures from the Department of Housing show 17,482 people were living in emergency accommodation across Ireland in June, a slight rise of 35 on May – and a record number of them were children.

The department’s data shows 11,862 adults (down from 11,864 in May) and 5,620 children (up from 5,583) were in emergency accommodation last month. Overall numbers remain below the record high of 17,548 recorded in April, as RTÉ News reported. Irish adults accounted for 49.7% of those in emergency accommodation, with 19% from the EEA or UK and 31% from outside the EEA.

What the homeless figures mean for children

The Simon Communities of Ireland said it was “unacceptable” that 5,620 children are spending their summer holidays in emergency accommodation, noting a 17% rise in the number of families and a 13% rise in the number of children over the past 12 months.

"For most children, the summer holidays are a time for playing outdoors and making happy memories with family and friends. But for thousands of children experiencing homelessness, summer means another day in a hotel room or family hub."

That was the assessment of Simon Communities executive director Ber Grogan, who said behind the figures are children whose education, wellbeing and future are being affected by the trauma of homelessness. Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne said the “government is stealing childhoods by failing to tackle the homelessness crisis”, with under-18s now making up 32% of all homeless people, as The Journal reported.

The charity has called on the Government to ringfence funding in Budget 2027 to prevent the trauma of homelessness. For more Irish news, stay with us.

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