As homelessness reaches a new record of 15,915 Focus Ireland calls for more urgency from Govt to help ease this human crisis
New figures issued by the Department of Housing show another record total of 15,915 people now homeless.
This is an increase of 168 people for June 2025 on the 15,747 people homeless in May.
The figures show that homelessness has risen 11% in the last year when compared with June 2024.
There are now 4,958 children in 2,320 families homeless.
Reacting to the figures Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan said: “We should always take time to remember that behind every single number is a man, woman or child suffering the trauma of losing their home. Homelessness hurts everyone and it hurts children the most. It is heartbreaking that nearly 5,000 children are having their childhoods stolen one day at a time. We need to end child homelessness. For good.’’
Focus Ireland has said the Government needs to stop families being evicted because of unaffordable rents. Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan explained: “More than 53,000 low-income households rely on the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) to afford their rent. While rents have increased 75% in the last ten years, the Government has not increased HAP, leaving people struggling to pay the rent.”
He added: “We welcome Minister for Housing James Browne’s commitment to review HAP rates. We still need a clear timeline for the review and implementation of recommendations to ensure that changes to HAP align with the proposed major changes to the rental sector which are due to be implemented in March 2026.’’
Focus Ireland also stressed that the new Government “Housing Plan” – now delayed until at least September – must deliver a radical policy shift to provide a range of housing to meet the growing needs right across society.
Mr. Dennigan concluded: “In the first place the Department must stop talking about a ‘Housing Plan’ and commit to a “Housing and Homelessness Plan. For years, Focus Ireland has been arguing that homelessness is not inevitable but is a consequence of the unsuitable policies in place – and could be solved with better policies.’’
Focus Ireland made a detailed submission to the Government in relation to new Housing Plan in May and intends to continue to work very closely with the State and related NGOs to help tackle the housing and homelessness more effectively.
Media contact: Roughan Mac Namara
Head of Media Communications Focus Ireland
086 85 15 117