Focus Ireland says rise in homeless figures shows crisis remains deeply concerning as figure rise to 17,482
The latest figures show that there are now 17,482 people recorded as homeless, including 5,620 children across 2,706 families. This represents an increase of 35 people experiencing homelessness compared with May, including 37 more children and 22 more families.
The rise comes after a small fall in May, when the number of people in emergency accommodation fell.
Homelessness remains significantly higher over the last 12 months, with overall levels in June 2026 standing 10 per cent higher than in June 2025.
Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan said: “Today’s figures are deeply worrying and show once again that the homelessness crisis is not easing. While the small fall in May was welcome, it did not continue in June. Thousands of children are still growing up without the security and stability of a home, and that must remain the focus of urgent Government action.”
He added: “I regret to say that on the frontline our services are not seeing any easing off. Our services across the country continue to see people who are under enormous pressure, including families and individuals facing no fault eviction or unaffordable rents. Many local authorities are saying that all their emergency beds are full, and people are being asked to wait to get a place in emergency accommodation.”
Mr Dennigan said: “For years we have called for people who are homeless long term to be prioritised for social housing. This shift remains essential if we are to reduce the number of people trapped in homelessness for long periods. However, today’s figures show that any progress being made is not yet enough to offset the continuing flow of people into homelessness.”
Mr Dennigan said: “The Government should be doing everything possible to prevent homelessness and help people move on from emergency accommodation, so it is particularly disappointing that the Child and Family Homelessness Action Plan has been postponed until after the summer while the Government wrangles over whether it will fund its essential measures.”
He added: “If the Government is serious about reversing this rise, it should be urgently progressing the Child and Family Homelessness Action Plan, the National Prevention Framework and the review of the HAP Scheme, not delaying them. These measures are essential to preventing homelessness and helping people move more quickly into secure and stable homes.”