For the first time in Ireland’s modern history, more than 5,000 children are now officially declared homeless.
By being homeless we mean (A) not having a home, which can range from living without shelter (sleeping rough) (B) living in insecure, inadequate, or temporary housing, or (C) being in institutional care due to a lack of other options.
Figures released by the Department of Housing confirm that over 5,014 children are today living in Ireland without a permanent home, relying on emergency State provided accommodation. This number must be viewed as thousands of young children growing up without stability, security, or the comfort of a place to call their own.
The overall homeless population has reached a shocking over 16,058 people, an increase of over 15,915 in June last. Child homelessness alone rose over 56 in just one single month, up from the 4,958 officially declared in June.
In just four years, the number of people experiencing homelessness has nearly doubled; from 8,132 in July of 2021 to 16,058 in July of 2025. These are not simply statistics, but families torn apart, futures put on hold and children suffering, through no fault of their own.
Homelessness is a wound that cuts through every layer of Irish society, but its deepest scars are borne by our affected children. It is a national disgrace that in a non-war torn, wealthy country like Ireland, thousands of our youngest citizens are being forced to grow up without a safe place to sleep.
Yet while this crisis deepens here at home, Irish political leaders like Irish Fine Gael politician, Tánaiste Mr Simon Harris, Irish Fianna Fáil politician, Taoiseach Mr Michael Martin; our outgoing Irish President and sociologist, Mr MD Higgins, all continue on the world stage, to claim to be global examples of social progress and humanitarian concern. Sorry, but to me their continuous posturing rings hollow when they ignore the electorate who entrusted them with Irish leadership.
Empty rhetoric spewed out abroad on a regular basis cannot disguise the shame of failing the most vulnerable of their people here at home.
This catastrophe now demands urgent action from all political parties. We cannot allow another generation of children to be left behind. Our elected political parties, our communities, and all of us as citizens must refuse to accept homelessness as being normal. We must act boldly and immediately to ensure every child has the most basic of human rights; that of a safe and secure home.
Very Sad.