The number of individuals accessing emergency homeless accommodation has reached a record high, highlighting ongoing pressures within the housing system despite recent rental reforms.
New figures show that 17,517 people were using emergency accommodation in the final week of March, up from 17,308 the previous month. This total includes 11,946 adults and 5,571 children, both representing the highest levels recorded to date.
Tánaiste Mr Simon Harris acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating that homelessness in Ireland “is far too high” and emphasizing that the level of child homelessness “cannot be accepted.” He confirmed that a targeted action plan addressing child and family homelessness is expected to be published shortly.
The latest data reflects a 46% increase in homelessness since the removal of the pandemic-era ban on no-fault evictions in April 2023, when the total stood at 11,988 people. The upward trend has continued steadily in the years and months since.
Officials note that the figures account only for those in emergency accommodation and do not include individuals sleeping rough or those housed in settings such as hospitals, asylum centres, or domestic violence shelters.
This report marks the first assessment since the introduction of new rental regulations in March, including reforms around six-year tenancies. The government maintains that these measures are designed to enhance tenant security and encourage housing supply. However, critics argue the changes could lead to rising rents and increased eviction-related homelessness.
Under the updated rules, landlords with four or more tenancies are prohibited from issuing no-fault evictions for new leases starting from March. Smaller landlords may still terminate tenancies under specific conditions—such as financial hardship or accommodating a family member—but are restricted from resetting rent levels until the six-year tenancy period concludes.
The government has reiterated its commitment to addressing the housing crisis, with further policy measures anticipated in the coming weeks.
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