Slight rise in number of homeless in July to 17,527
The number of people in emergency accommodation in Ireland rose slightly to 17,527 in July, with increases noted across both adult and child demographics. Advocacy groups and opposition politicians have criticized the government for a lack of urgency and the failure to publish a promised child and family homelessness plan.
Why it matters
The persistent rise in homelessness highlights a deepening social crisis and puts significant political pressure on the Irish government to deliver on housing policy commitments.
There was another slight rise in the number of people homeless in July, according to figures from the Department of Housing.
Last month, 17,527 people were living in emergency accommodation, which is up 45 compared to June.
The figures indicate that there has been another increase in homeless children.
Last month, 11,868 adults (up from 11,862 in June) and 5,659 children (up from 5,620 in June) availed of emergency accommodation.
Simon Communities of Ireland has criticised the lack of political urgency around the homelessness crisis.
The charity has looked at figures for the last 12 months and has found there has been an increase of 1,469 (9.1%) in emergency accommodation.
There has been a 16% in the number of families in emergency accommodation since July 2025, 5,659 of whom were children, which is a 13% (645) rise in the same period.
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