24th April 2025
On the eve of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s latest release of homelessness figures, the Simon Communities of Ireland are calling for immediate government action, warning that “too many adults and too many children” are being failed by inaction and policy decisions that ignore lived experience and proven solutions.
In February 2025, 15,378 people were recorded as experiencing homelessness – the highest figure ever reported. As the March data is set to be published tomorrow, the Simon Communities of Ireland warns that we must take action on the statistics as they are ‘individuals’.
In recent months, the Simon Communities of Ireland advocated for the retention of tenant-in-situ rules, which help prevent homelessness when landlords exit the rental market. The charity also urged Government to extend Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) to limit runaway rents in areas of high pressure.
Ber Grogan, Executive Director of the Simon Communities of Ireland, said:
“Tomorrow, when the latest homeless figures are released – we need to see immediate action. In February 2025, there were 15,378 people experiencing homelessness. How this is not taken seriously is disgraceful. Why is this not seen as a national emergency? Even if the March 2025 homeless figures have reduced from February’s record-breaking high, homelessness figures remain alarmingly high.
Our suggested measures haven’t been heard. If the Government isn’t listening to those of us working on the frontline with lived experience and solution-focused insight, then who are they listening to? We’ve brought forward clear, actionable, compassionate solutions. They are common sense, built on decades of experience and direct engagement with people experiencing homelessness or at risk of it. The Government’s failure to act is not just disappointing; it’s dangerous.”
The Summary of Social Housing Assessments 2023 shows that there were over 12,600 households across Ireland waiting on social housing for more than seven years. The Simon Communities of Ireland’s Locked out of the Market report also reflects the number of people who are priced out and systemically excluded from the private rental sector.
Grogan continued:
“These are not just statistics – they are individuals, parents, children, workers, older people – all qualified for social housing but left in limbo.
We are asking, again, for the Government to listen and to act. We must stop accepting this crisis as inevitable. There are too many people without a home – and it doesn’t have to be this way.”
ENDS
For further information contact Aileen Gaskin 087 7724 717 / communications@simoncommunity.com
