A message to the incoming government: the time to tackle homelessness is now
The time for promises is over. Ireland waits for decisive action on housing.
Dublin, 3rd January 2024: As the nation awaits the formation of the next government, it is imperative that solving the homelessness crisis remains at the top of the political agenda. Against this backdrop, the Department of Housing’s latest report reveals, once more, an all-time high in Ireland’s homelessness figures, with 15,199 people in emergency accommodation nationally, including 10,925 in Dublin alone—a 10% year-on-year increase in the capital.
The figures include 1,524 families, 3,475 children, and 4,789 single adults, representing nearly half the total. These numbers exclude those rough sleeping, refugees, asylum seekers, individuals in domestic violence shelters, and those in hidden homelessness—people sleeping in cars, on couches, or in unsuitable living conditions.
Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dublin Simon Community, said: “Between the election campaign and the government formation talks, our politicians have spent the last couple of months outlining what they see as the best way forward for our country. While we have listened to numerous promises, a simple fact remains: there are now over 15,000 people in emergency accommodation across the country, a number previously thought inconceivable. As each number continues to shatter the record made by the last, the term crisis begins to lose all meaning.”
“The time for political debate is over,” Kenny added. “The incoming government must act decisively and urgently to protect the most vulnerable in our society. Words are not enough—now is the time for tangible action.”
“With a new government taking shape, there is an opportunity for bold action. Preventative measures are key to stopping the flow of individuals and families into homelessness, while increasing the stock of social and affordable housing is essential to ensure homeownership is accessible to all, regardless of income. Without urgent, coordinated action, this crisis will continue to spiral.”
Dublin Simon is calling on the incoming government to take a comprehensive, interdepartmental approach in addressing homelessness. The future coalition must ensure that cross-government cooperation is a reality in order to really improve the lives of those experiencing homelessness in Ireland.
A Call to Action
Dublin Simon Community is calling on the incoming government to do the following:
- Implement recommendations of Report of the Housing Commission and the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs.
- Continually increase the development of social and cost-rental housing, until it constitutes at least 20% of the national housing stock, as per the Housing Commission.
- Provide adequate funding in Section 10 and Section 39 organisations to address demand and rectify funding shortfalls, ensuring full cost recovery on a multi-annual basis.
- Resource and increase access to specialized homeless health and addiction treatment services, including the 100-bed homeless health and addiction facility at Usher’s Island.
- Ring-fence 20% of the homeless budget for prevention supports.
As winter rolls on, emergency accommodation will continue to face pressure from the increased numbers seeking shelter. While the country waits for a new government to take shape, Dublin Simon Community remains entirely committed to supporting people experiencing homelessness. However, charities cannot face this alone. The time for action from those in power is now.