'Appalling': Record 15,418 people in emergency accommodation, including 4,675 children
It represents an increase of 40 people, including 22 more children, compared to the
previous month
.
According to the latest figures from the Department of Housing, it's the first time that the number of people living in emergency accommodation in Dublin surpassed 11,000. This includes 7,537 adults and 3,487 children.
This doesn't account for those rough sleeping, refugees, asylum seekers, individuals in domestic violence shelters, or those experiencing 'hidden homelessness', such as sleeping in cars, on couches, or other unsuitable living conditions.
Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dublin Simon Community, said that the figure is 'capped by space, not demand'.
'Emergency accommodation is limited. Beds are full or near capacity. People can only access it when someone else leaves or a new space opens up.
'In other words, many more are left to rough sleep or live in unsafe and unsuitable conditions in hidden homelessness.
Advertisement
'We have a crisis that should shock the conscience of the country and especially of those who run it. When the number of people living in emergency shelters matches the population of a whole town, something is deeply broken.
We must not allow ourselves to normalise this level of human suffering.
Minister for Housing James Browne has yet to comment on the latest figures, published just after 2pm this afternoon.
The latest data shows an 8% year-on-year increase in the number of people in emergency accommodation in Dublin.
The charity Depaul said the government needs to 'show evidence that they have a strong response to the homelessness crisis'.
A spokesperson said that it is concerned that high levels of homelessness is becoming the 'new, accepted normal' but that the mental health impacts on those experiencing homelessness shouldn't be underestimated.
The Salvation Army has described the child homelessness situation as 'appalling'.
'With school summer holidays approaching, it is appalling that for more than 3,000 children, what should be the most carefree time of their year, is spent in emergency accommodation.'
Sinn Féin spokesperson for housing Eoin Ó Broin called on the government to reverse funding cuts for housing schemes that help prevent homelessness.
He argues that, as many local authorities have less funds available to buy properties, more renters will be evicted when landlords sell, and schemes like HAP will have less availability, resulting in more people staying in emergency accommodation for longer periods of time.
Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article.
Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.
Learn More
Support The Journal
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Extra.ie
5 days ago
- Extra.ie
Major 'biosecurity alert' issued for Ireland after Asian hornet found in Cork
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has issued a 'biosecurity alert for Ireland' after a recent sighting and capture of an Asian hornet was confirmed in Cork. A statement issued by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage warned that the Asian hornet poses a serious threat. 'Even a single nest can devastate honeybee populations,' the statement said. A dedicated taskforce has already been created in response to the jarring discovery in Cork and a government-led response is underway. However, it has been stated that a major public health risk is not an immediate concern. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has issued a 'biosecurity alert for Ireland' after a recent sighting and capture of an Asian hornet was confirmed in Cork. Pic: Shutterstock Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O'Sullivan stressed that the hornet is a 'threat to our native pollinators and our biodiversity.' 'We must take even a single sighting very seriously. NPWS responded quickly to this report, with a team of experts rapidly tasked to monitor and survey the area.' People have been asked to make themselves aware of how Asian Hornets appear and how to identify them. Sightings should be reported immediately to the NPWS help protect Ireland's biodiversity. An Asian hornet is noticeably different from the native European hornet and other wasps in Ireland. You can identify one by these key features: Size: Asian hornets are smaller than the European hornet — at 2.5-3cms. Colour: The hornets have a mostly dark brown or black body with a distinctive yellow-orange band near the end of the abdomen. Their faces are orange or yellowish while their legs are yelllow – this is one of the easiest features to spot so it is worth looking out for. A statement issued by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage warned that the Asian hornet poses a serious threat. Pic: JEAN-PIERRE MULLER/AFP via Getty Images Flight patterns: Asian hornets are often seen hovering in front of beehives, hunting honeybees, so those living near beehives should keep a particular eye out. It is important to note that if you spot an Asian hornet, you are advised to not to try to capture, handle or disturb it. Instead, try to take a clear photo from a safe distance and report the sighting immediately to the NPWS or
RTÉ News
5 days ago
- RTÉ News
'Biosecurity alert' after Asian hornet captured in Cork
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has confirmed a recent sighting and capture of an Asian hornet in the Cork area marking a "biosecurity alert for Ireland". In a statement, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage said the Asian hornet poses a "significant threat to biodiversity in Ireland as even a single nest can devastate honeybee populations", but the discovery does not pose a significant public health risk. "The sighting has triggered a Government-led response with the establishment of a new taskforce," the statement said. Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O'Sullivan said hornets are a "threat to our native pollinators and our biodiversity". "We must take even a single sighting very seriously. NPWS responded quickly to this report, with a team of experts rapidly tasked to monitor and survey the area," he said. "One individual was captured and a co-ordinated response is now underway through a new cross government taskforce who will continue to monitor the situation. "We are also very grateful for the support of beekeepers and their associations in this endeavour." Mr O'Sullivan said that early detection is key to prevent the establishment of this invasive species. "I urge everyone to be vigilant and inform themselves so that they can recognise and report any sightings of the Asian hornet to help us contain this invasive species and protect our biodiversity."
Agriland
09-08-2025
- Agriland
'35% increase' in corncrake numbers in last 5 years
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne has stated that a "recent survey by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) shows a 35% increase in the corncrake population in the last five years". His statement comes in response to a parliamentary question raised by Sinn Féin's agricultural spokesperson, Deputy Martin Kenny, who asked the minster for "an update on funding for the project to protect the corncrake". The corncrake is listed on Annex I of the Birds Directive (2009/147/EC), and is on the Red List of Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland due to historical declines. Minister Browne highlighted the work of the Corncrake LIFE project, which was set up to combat this decline in the bird's population. He said: "Corncrake LIFE is a five-year (2021-2026) €5.9 million project improving the conservation status of one of Ireland's most iconic farmland bird species. "Led by the NPWS of my department, in collaboration with project partners, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), and Fota Wildlife Park, the project works with farmers, land owners and local communities across counties Galway, Mayo and Donegal. "There are currently 150 farmers and landowners active in the project covering more than 1,600ha in conservation and management measures under the results-based scheme. The minister explained that these measures have been incorporated into the national agri-environmental programmes, such as Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES). According to Minister Browne, these measures, "together with direct project actions have restored a significant footprint of corncrake habitat. "The most recent survey from the NPWS shows an increase of 35% in the corncrake population in the past five years with a total of 233 calling male corncrakes recorded nationally in 2024." According to BirdWatch Ireland, corncrakes were once found in every parish in Ireland, but, since the early 1900s, numbers have declined and they are now confined to Co. Donegal and west Connacht. A population remained in the Shannon Callows until around 2010, but summer flooding in the early 2000s resulted in their extinction there also. Corncrakes are summer visitors, breeding in Ireland from April to September and migrating to Africa for the winter. They are generally found in tall vegetation (20cm) in hay and silage fields, rough pastures, and stands of herbaceous species such as yellow flag iris and nettles. One of the measures promoted in the Corncrake LIFE Project is conservation-friendly mowing (CFM). Source: Corncrake LIFE According to Corncrake LIFE, up to 60% of chicks are killed when fields are mowed from the outside-in, which is why CFM is key to increasing the survival rate of corncrakes (and other species) during mowing. CFM consists of maintaining a low mowing speed (5-7km/hr) and mowing from the centre-out to push birds to the edges of the fields. Mowing the perimeter of the plot should be avoided, as corncrakes are reluctant to break cover and cross open ground.
