Rise in number of people recorded as homeless last month
The number of men, women and children experiencing homelessness increased in May compared to the previous month.
Latest figures from the Department of Housing show 15,747 adults and children were accessing emergency accommodation.
The figure is up from 15,580 in April.
The number of children is 4,844 - up from 4,775, while the number of adults increased to 10,903 from 10,805.
Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan said the figures show "the Government's current approach to homelessness is failing".
"There needs to be far more urgency in the Government's response to help end this terrible human crisis," he added.
The charity's CEO called on the Government to reform the Housing Assistance Payment scheme and "must deliver a radical policy shift to provide a range of housing".
'We just heard this week that the new Housing and Homelessness Plan is now delayed until at least September," Mr Dennigan said.
"We need action now and there are some actions the Government could take immediately to improve the situation," he added.
The Dublin Simon Community said that while a housing crisis may be on the political agenda, "its most devastating consequence - homelessness - remains overlooked".
It added that "there is doubt as to whether the Government cares about addressing the instability, harsh and immediate realities" of the homeless figures.
The Dublin Simon Community CEO said "stability must be at the forefront in addressing the chaotic housing market with chronic shortages".
"All eyes are now focused on a housing plan and Budget 2026 as to what it will provide as incentives to kickstart a greater housing supply in a market that has plateaued," Catherine Kenny said.
"As the new rental rules will do little to help those stuck in emergency accommodation, the next national housing plan, due in a few weeks, must bring meaningful measures for those who are experiencing homelessness," she added.
'Shameful milestone'
Sinn Féin and the Social Democrats said the rising homeless figures were a result of Government failures.
Sinn Féin's housing spokesperson Eoin Ó'Broin said the increase in child homelessness figures over the decade "is the direct result of the failure of Government to deliver a sufficient volume of social and affordable homes".
The Social Democrats housing spokesperson called the child homelessness figures "a shameful milestone".
Rory Hearne said the figures are a "direct result of policy choices made by the Government", adding such failures are "intolerable and inexcusable".
"The state could be facing a national redress scheme for children who have been in emergency accommodation," he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Examiner
an hour ago
- Irish Examiner
Fueling frustration: Why Irish petrol prices stay high, even when oil doesn't
Donald Trump, as he so often does, opted for all capital letters for this post on Truth Social earlier this week. 'EVERYONE, KEEP OIL PRICES DOWN,' he said. 'I'M WATCHING! YOU'RE PLAYING RIGHT INTO THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY. DON'T DO IT!' Like he told major retailer Walmart to 'eat the tariffs' he has imposed, the US president was telling oil markets to eat the instability he had directly contributed to in the Middle East with a direct attack on one of the biggest producers of oil in the world. As much as he appears to desire the power to dictate such terms, how much we all pay at the petrol pumps is not at the whim of Donald Trump. So far, however, prices appear to be singing to his tune somewhat, if not for the reasons he may think so, that is, himself. Here in Ireland, it was only three years ago that we saw geopolitical forces brought to bear as Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine saw prices for everything skyrocket, including for petrol and diesel. While the impacts on us pale into comparison when compared to the Ukrainian people, Russia's actions did precipitate a cost-of-living crisis charities say is still biting to this day. But, despite bombs falling in Tehran, Tel Aviv and Doha in recent weeks, the oil markets so far — and this must be stressed, so far — have not reacted like they did back in 2022. Back then, there was a 'perfect storm' of Russia being such a big supplier, coupled with a relative shortage of oil supply coming out of the pandemic, according to transport commentator Conor Faughnan. This time, due to tariff threats and concerns about the global economy, as well as additional supply in the market at the moment, oil prices had been expected to trend down in the second half of this year prior to the recent Israel-Iran hostilities. 'It's been notable to observe when we had the Russian invasion in 2022, there was a very strong and prolonged reaction in world oil prices,' Mr Faughnan said. 'They went up and stayed high. That's different from the current crisis. Conor Faughnan: 'About 55%-60% of the money you pay at the pump goes directly to the Government in taxes. The oil price component is surprisingly small.' 'There hasn't as yet been the sort of extreme reaction we might have expected to see. Over the years, there's been a very serious set of circumstances, there's been multiple geopolitical shocks to the oil price. Often, they'll cause turbulence on a two-to-three day basis. When Russia invaded, we had a sustained effect. This time around, it's different. Mr Faughnan said it was more a case of the markets having 'bated breath', or there being a 'pregnant pause' while they waited to see how events would play out in the Middle East conflict. On Tuesday, oil prices hit their lowest in two weeks after Trump claimed there had been a 'total ceasefire' agreed between Israel and Iran. But, as we know, the bombing did not fully stop there. Later in the week, JP Morgan analysts said global energy prices were 'moderating' following the ceasefire. However, the lobby group for fuel retailers said that prices were already coming from a high base. Fuels for Ireland chief executive Kevin McPartland said even prior to US strikes on Iran, wholesale prices had already surged by nine cent per litre for petrol, eight cent for diesel and seven cent for kerosene. And this is before tax and retailer margin is applied. 'We fully understand the pressure that rising fuel costs put on households and businesses, particularly as we move through a cost-of-living crisis,' Mr McPartland said. These are global effects being felt locally. Fuel retailers in Ireland are not setting prices arbitrarily. They are responding to international costs that are outside their control. One factor that could send the price ballooning even higher is Iran's actions at the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. About a fifth of the world's oil passes through this area, which has Iran to the north and Oman and the United Arab Emirates to the south. Iran has in the past threatened to close the strait, which would restrict trade and affect global oil prices, but has never followed through on the threat. Mr Faughnan said a shock to the world oil price is 'possible if the situation worsens, or the Strait of Hormuz is involved'. 'It hasn't happened yet,' he said. 'If it does hit, we'll reassess. What's remarkable to note is that post-Israeli attacks on Iran last week, the global oil market was, relaxed is the wrong word, but it wasn't the extreme reaction we might have expected.' Petrol and diesel prices in Ireland Then again, Irish consumers will not need to experience another geopolitical shock to see the cost of filling the car be unwelcomingly high. They have been paying high prices at the pumps for some time. While the cost of a litre of petrol has fallen from its peak of more than €2 in the summer of 2022, it still remains stubbornly high at arobout €1.79, according to figures from AA Ireland. Its figures suggest prices have fluctuated wildly, ranging between €1.50 and close to €1.90 a litre for both diesel and petrol in recent years. Even going further back, and the price at the pumps has been high. Heading into 2020, prices going back five years had been in the range of between €1.20 and €1.50 a litre. If we were to factor in general inflation since then, using data from the Central Statistics Office, it has reached over 25% in that time. So, the €1.31 you spent for a litre of petrol in January 2015 translates to about €1.64 now. While fuel inflation is higher than this, they're in the same ball park. In other words, the prices were high enough then and even higher now. For its part, an AA spokesperson said: 'Any volatility in international markets inevitably can affect wholesale costs and, ultimately, prices at the pump. If tensions escalate or shipping routes are disrupted, it could lead to price increases for Irish consumers. We've already seen some fluctuations this year, and continued instability could keep upward pressure on prices in the months ahead. Mr Faughnan said an increase in the cost of oil would also lead to consumers paying more Vat on the cost of filling the car, as it is calculated as a percentage of the cost. Government taxes 'About 55%-60% of the money you pay at the pump goes directly to the Government in taxes,' he said. 'The oil price component is surprisingly small. You've the oil price, refinery cost, shipping cost, wholesale margin, retail margin. On top of that then the price is doubled. 'A big move in the oil price translates to a more modest move at the pump price.' Mr McPartland, whose organisation represents fuel retailers, said when fuel prices go up the tax on them goes up too, which he said warranted a 'comprehensive review of how fuel for heating and transport is taxed'. 'We are calling on the minister for finance to establish a group of experts to undertake this review as a matter of urgency,' he said. We've been here before. To help mitigate cost-of-living rises, the Government temporarily reduced excise rates on fuel at a 'significant cost to the exchequer', according to officials from the Department of Finance. It said last year this measure had effectively been a fossil fuel subsidy and was a 'climate negative measure'. It appears any measures to ease the taxes paid at the petrol pumps remain unlikely. On carbon taxes — which make up about 13c-14c of the €1.79 litre of petrol — finance minister Paschal Donohoe told the Dáil that if 'we want to invest more in a greener and lower carbon future, we need to have a way of paying for it'. At the same time, in terms of an alternative, take-up of electric vehicles is accelerating but not yet at the kind of critical mass needed to significantly reduce our transport emissions. Just last week, the Climate Change Advisory Council said new EV grants of €10,000 should be given to the lower-paid to encourage them to make the switch. 'The benefits and savings from existing policies and measures are not keeping pace with the causes of increased emissions, including increasing transport demand in terms of fuel sales and vehicle kilometres, and corrective action is needed in the sector,' it said. CSO data tells us despite 16% of new car sales so far this year being EVs, with similar market shares for plug-in hybrids, a further 44% were for petrol and diesel cars. For now, the reliance on the petrol and diesel car remains strong in Ireland. And while it does, so too will we be reliant on factors outside of our control. Read More Fuel prices rise again putting further pressure on motorists, AA warns
Irish Examiner
an hour ago
- Irish Examiner
Gas Networks Ireland spent €190m building 'capacity, security, and resilience' last year
Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) spent almost €190m last year on building capacity, security, and resilience in the system, including on critical pipelines and physical and cyber security. GNI chairman Kevin Toland said this was to meet the growing energy demand in Ireland, and secure the network from 'ever growing malevolent threats'. GNI's annual report for 2024 said it will spend more than €200m in 2025 to further bolster the security of the network. Mr Toland pointed out that gas plays a 'critical role' in Ireland's energy system. It is involved in the production of over 40% of Ireland's electricity — rising as high as 83% when renewable energy is not available. Writing in the GNI annual report, Mr Toland said they submitted a proposal in April 2024 to the Government to create a strategic gas emergency reserve to protect Ireland in the event of a gas supply reduction. Almost a year later the Government said it was backing the plan and would set up a liquified natural gas (LNG) terminal for such a purpose. In the report, Mr Toland said GNI invested €188m in the safety, capacity, security, and resilience of the network in 2024, including at stations in Moffat, Scotland, where both the British gas pipelines to Ireland come from. We also continued to advance our cyber and physical security programmes to protect our network from ever growing malevolent threats. The report said managing the risk of a physical or cyber attack was going to be a major priority moving forward. 'In 2025 we will invest in excess of €200m of capital investment to improve the safety, capacity, security and resilience of the network.' The report also said the €200m will progress the development of the strategic gas emergency reserve, key transmission connections, and facilitate a significant capacity upgrade project at their stations in Scotland. 'The threat of a successful cyber attack remains a key risk, and we remain vigilant to this very real and growing threat,' the report said. 'The UK remains Ireland's principal supply source. 'Any disruption to the UK's energy supply, or failure/disruption to our strategic gas infrastructure could seriously impact Gas Networks Ireland's business/operations.' It said GNI, along with the Irish Naval Service, 'responded to a subsea security incident when a foreign vessel [Russian ship, the Yantar] was detected operating on top of the sub sea pipeline Interconnector 1 in the Irish sea. 'As a result an unplanned sub sea survey to ensure no interference to the pipeline was completed.' It said GNI was a founding partner in 2004 of the European Union's horizon project VIGIMARE, through which key capital projects received €4.75m in grant funding to further develop 'our subsea critical asset protection' from the EU horizon europe research and innovation programme. 'This innovation project uses artificial intelligence algorithms on multiple data sources to identify and alarm if a vessel is acting suspiciously in the vicinity of subsea infrastructure,' it said.
Irish Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Fianna Fáil senator slates Health Minister over Children's Hospital name
A Fianna Fáil senator has accused Fine Gael Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill of 'wasting public funds' and 'ignoring political consensus' over the naming of the new National Children's Hospital. Mary Fitzpatrick also accused Minister Carroll MacNeill of a 'failure of judgment'. It is one of the first times in this new Government that a politician has publicly condemned one of their coalition colleagues. As reported by the Irish Mirror earlier this week, €4,500 was spent on the decision to name the new National Children's Hospital the 'National Children's Hospital Ireland.' This was one of 17 names suggested for the hospital with 'the support of a specialist branding agency'. Minister Carroll MacNeill stated that the name was chosen because it would be "the simplest thing for a stressed-out parent in difficult circumstances'. She also acknowledged that many had called for the hospital to be called after Dr Kathleen Lynn. However, she said she will engage with the Youth Advisory Committee in the National Children's Hospital Ireland to see if a wing or an auditorium could be named in her honour. Fianna Fáil Senator Mary Fitzpatrick has now slated Minister Carroll MacNeill over the fact that the hospital was not named after Dr Lynn, a medic and 1916 Rising participant. She said: '€4,500 was spent on consultants just to ignore a name the Oireachtas had already backed. That's not just wasteful, it's dismissive. 'Let's be honest, the name we've been given could belong to any hospital in any country. We had a chance to give it real meaning and the Minister passed. 'This wasn't a fringe idea. It had political support from Government and opposition. The Minister didn't just sidestep it, she overruled it. 'We didn't need branding consultants to tell us what the country had already decided. We needed leadership, and we didn't get it. 'This was a real chance to connect a state-of-the-art hospital with a name rooted in public service, care, and courage. 'Instead, the Minister chose something forgettable and spent public money to do it. That's not just a lost opportunity. It's a failure of judgment.' The Government did not oppose a Seanad Motion in May 2023 to name the hospital after Dr Lynn, who co-founded a children's hospital in Dublin in 1919. Saint Ultan's Children's Hospital closed in the 1980s when it merged with the National Children's Hospital on Harcourt Street. This was later relocated to Tallaght. The motion was brought forward by Senator Fitzpatrick and Catherine Ardagh, who is now a TD. Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh then submitted a Bill to the Dáil in April 2025 to name the hospital after Dr Lynn. The Bill was not opposed by the Government but has not progressed through the legislative process. The Irish Mirror contacted a spokesperson for Minister Carroll MacNeill for comment. We have also repeatedly asked the Department of Health for confirmation of all names considered for the National Children's Hospital but have yet to receive a response. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week
