Dublin Simon Community Statement on July 2024 Homeless Report

The latest homeless figures released today by the Department of Housing reveal that the number of people in emergency accommodation continues to rise with 14,429 nationally and 10,487 in Dublin, representing a Dublin increase of 11% year-on-year. 

The Dublin total of 10,487 represents 1,488 families, 3,289 children, and 4,634 single adults. 

These figures do not include those rough sleeping, people in domestic violence shelters, refugees, and those on our streets seeking asylum.    

Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dublin Simon, criticised the government’s lack of progress and action regarding the ongoing homeless crisis.  

“As the days grow shorter and colder, the urgency of addressing the homeless crisis becomes even more pressing. Budget 2025 is just over a month away. Coupled with a looming general election and no guarantee that homeless figures will decrease before then, there is an urgent need for comprehensive, coordinated action to address the root causes of homelessness and alleviate the strain on emergency accommodation resources. 

“What is required is additional funding for emergency service provisions to ensure men women and children in charity-supported emergency accommodation are given the necessary support. Separate and critically needed is an exponential increase in the development of new social housing. This must be at the forefront of any Budget discussions, particularly given the recent Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) report showing that over 115,000 households at the end of 2023 were either on social housing waiting lists or in receipt of the Housing Assistance Payment. This equates to over 235,000 people in Ireland, as having an “ongoing need” for housing. 

“As we move towards the colder winter months, Dublin Simon Community once again calls on the government and relevant agencies to prioritise immediate measures that will tangibly reduce homelessness and provide secure, sustainable housing options for all.”