Ireland's Homelessness Crisis

Adult Homelessness by County

Courtesy Focus Ireland ©

Adult Homelessness by County
Courtesy Focus Ireland ©

Adult Homelessness by County

Courtesy Focus Ireland ©

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In the last decade enormous pressure has been put on the rental market as lacking social housing along with the reduction of private house construction has resulted in almost 1 in 5 households living in private rental situations (compared to 1 in 10, ten years ago). Furthermore, this resulted in a constant rise to levels of rent as well as a lack of properties available for rent (Focus Ireland, 2020). Focus Ireland estimated that there were 8,737 people homeless in October 2020 (Focus Ireland, 2020). Of these, 2,642 children were in emergency homeless accommodation with their families at that time.

The main reason for this current crisis is down to structural economic factors that have resulted in a crisis in the rental sector. For many, increases in rents have been too high to manage. Other factors such as a vast amount of properties refusing rent supplements, rental property shortages and the re-use of homes by landlords have all contributed to the problem. To address some of these issues, the Irish Government is expected to spend €3.3 billion on housing in 2021, with a further €218 million to ensure those experiencing homelessness are supported and helped to successfully exit homelessness (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, 2020).  

Currently the main legislation dealing with homelessness includes the Health Act 1953, the Housing Act 1988 and the Child Care Act 1991. For further information on the most recent updates of homeless statistics in Ireland please visit the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage website.

The number of people that are homeless and are relying on emergency homeless accommodation in September 2019.

Courtesy Focus Ireland ©

The number of people that are homeless and are relying on emergency homeless accommodation in September 2019.
Courtesy Focus Ireland ©

The number of people that are homeless and are relying on emergency homeless accommodation in September 2019.

Courtesy Focus Ireland ©

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Homelessness and its Impact on Social Wellbeing

Significant negative impacts from homelessness on the wellbeing of children and parents have been shown through research. Recent studies shows that these negative impacts can range from: damage to physical and mental health, relationship breakdown, job loss, behavioural problems among children and a negative impact on child education (Focus Ireland 2019).

Homelessness can also have serious consequences for young people (16-24 years old) that become homeless. These negative outcomes can include: early departure from school, the development of health problems, the loss of support from their family and community, the risk of long term unemployment, the risk of involvement of substance abuse and the development of health problems.

For information on support systems and accommodation options available to people that are homeless, please visit the Citizens Information website.