Housing Crisis Deepens as Families, Children and Individuals Struggle to Find Shelter

Ireland is now facing the worst homelessness crisis in its history, with the number of people in emergency accommodation surpassing 15,000 for the first time. The latest figures released by the Department of Housing reveal that 10,725 adults and 4,653 children were homeless as of February 2025, a record-breaking and deeply troubling milestone.

A Crisis Spiralling Out of Control

Charities, housing organisations, and advocacy groups have described the situation as “spiralling out of control”, citing repeated government failures to provide sufficient social and affordable housing. Homelessness has steadily increased month after month, with few signs of reversal.

“This is not just a housing crisis—it is a moral failure,” said one frontline worker with Focus Ireland. “No child should be spending years of their life in emergency accommodation.”

What’s Causing the Surge?

1. Lack of Affordable Housing

With housing demand far outpacing supply, families and individuals are being priced out of both the rental and buyers’ markets. Skyrocketing rents and limited availability of homes have left many with nowhere to turn.

2. Evictions from the Private Rental Sector

Many landlords are exiting the market, selling properties or increasing rents beyond what tenants can afford. The lifting of previous eviction bans has resulted in a sharp rise in tenants losing their homes.

3. Shortage of Social Housing

Construction of public housing has not kept pace with demand, leaving vulnerable families with few options and often forced into prolonged stays in unsuitable emergency accommodation such as hostels, B&Bs, or budget hotels.

Children on the Frontline

The number of children experiencing homelessness now stands at 4,653, marking a tragic chapter in Ireland’s housing story. Children in emergency accommodation often face:

• Disruption to schooling
• Poor nutrition and lack of privacy
• Emotional and psychological trauma
• Difficulty accessing basic services

Housing charities have repeatedly warned that the long-term impact of homelessness on children is devastating and will have knock-on effects for years to come.

What Is the Government Doing?

Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien has said the government is working to tackle the crisis, pointing to increased investment in social housing and record numbers of completions. However, critics argue that progress has been too slow, and that policy decisions—such as lifting eviction bans—have made the situation worse.

Key Demands from Charities and Opposition Parties:

• Reintroduction of eviction bans during winter months
• Accelerated social housing construction
• Stronger protections for renters
• Greater investment in Housing First and wraparound support services

Public Outcry and Protests

Public frustration has intensified. In Dublin, Cork, and Galway, recent protests have called on the government to declare a housing emergency. Families impacted by homelessness have taken to the streets to share their stories—some spending months, even years, in temporary accommodation without any sign of permanent housing.

Final Word

The homelessness crisis in Ireland is no longer just a political issue—it is a national emergency. With over 15,000 people now without a home, the scale of suffering is too great to ignore. Unless decisive action is taken now, the problem will continue to worsen, further damaging lives and the social fabric of communities across the country.

Ireland is at a crossroads: will it continue to accept homelessness as part of daily life, or will it finally act to end it?

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