28th March 2025
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has released its latest report, showing that the number of men, women, and children experiencing homelessness reached 15,378 in February 2025. This represents an increase of 92 people compared to the previous month. 4,653 of these are children.
In the 12 months since February 2024, the data shows an increase of 1,537 people (11.1%) in emergency accommodation:
- 2,185 were families, marking a 9.6% (191) increase over the year
- 4,653 were children, showing a 11.6% (483) rise in the same period
- 1,810 were 18-24 year olds, marking a 8.7% (145) increase over the year.
Ber Grogan, Executive Director of the Simon Communities of Ireland, said:
“There is a glaring disconnect within the Government regarding housing, homelessness and prevention strategies. The lack of action is directly impacting the increasing homelessness figures we are seeing today. While the numbers rise month after month, we continue to see families, children, and young adults struggling to find stable and safe housing. This is a grim situation, and the time for significant change is long overdue.
The tenant in situ scheme has been an effective prevention tool so it is beyond shocking to see proposed changes. It is beggars belief to think that Government would remove a safety net that it put in place. The introduction of mandatory eligibility criteria for tenant in situ acquisitions for 2025 is problematic and requires revision.
We need stronger prevention policies and we need to keep, and enhance the ones that we already have. The Government often talks of prudence. Prevention is the economically prudent way to address homelessness, nevermind that it is the morally right thing to do.”
ENDS
For further information contact Aileen Gaskin 087 7724 717 / communications@simoncommunity.com
