Press Releases
Focus Ireland Press Releases provide the very latest information issued to media outlets.
Our most up-to-date releases in relation to homelessness and housing can be viewed below.
Focus Ireland says slight fall in homelessness figures must not distract from need for urgent action and protection of access to emergency shelter
There are now 17,447 people recorded as homeless, including: 5,583 children across 2,684 families. There was a decrease of 101 people experiencing homelessness compared with April, including 21 fewer children and 23 fewer families.
New homelessness research shows official record homeless figures only tell part of the story
Focus Ireland launched two major new reports on homelessness, showing that the full scale of the crisis in Dublin and Cork goes beyond what is captured in the monthly official figures.
Focus Ireland calls for urgent increase in funding for Tenant in Situ purchases as eviction notices surge
Focus Ireland has today expressed serious concern at new figures showing a record surge in eviction notices in the first quarter of 2026, ahead of changes to rental rules introduced on the 1st of March. More than 7,000 notices were issued in the first three months of the year, marking a dramatic increase and the highest quarterly figure on record.
Focus Ireland calls on Government to take more urgent action to tackle homelessness as numbers hit another record high of 17,517
New Department of Housing figures issued today for March 2026 show yet another record total of 17,517 people are now homeless. This includes 5,571 children across 2,659 families. This is an increase of 209 people on the previous month and a sharp 14% rise since last year ago, with child homelessness up 19% since March 2025.
Focus Ireland urges Government to make more effective use of available social housing to reduce homelessness as numbers remain at a record high of 17,308
New Department of Housing figures for February 2026 show 17,308 people are homeless, including 5,457 children across 2,609 families. This is up 196 on the previous month and 13% percent higher than a year ago, with child homelessness up 17% since February 2025.
Focus Ireland launches new five-year strategy which will deliver 1,000 additional homes to help tackle the crisis
Focus Ireland today launched its new Joint Strategic Plan 2026 to 2030, Turning the Tide on Homelessness, setting out how the organisation will expand the delivery of secure, affordable homes and strengthen prevention and support services for people who are homeless and those at risk of losing their homes