Focus Ireland Welcomes Homelessness Commitments but Warns: Action Must Follow Words

Focus Ireland welcomed the Government’s new strategy to tackle homelessness but warned that, after years of missed targets and rising homelessness, people facing homelessness will judge the plan by results.

Focus Ireland also welcomed the engagement of the Minister and his officials with Focus Ireland in drafting  ‘Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025 – 2030’ and noted that a number of the evidence-based policies which we have been arguing for over many years are reflected in the new plan.

CEO, Pat Dennigan said that “Focus Ireland are fully committed to working with the Minister, the Department and local government to deliver the aspirations that he has set out, but we will remain true to Sr Stan’s legacy by insisting that soft words are followed by decisive action .”

In particular, Focus Ireland noted important commitments on child and family homelessness, including a dedicated fund for 2026 of €100 million to move families and children out of long term homelessness; a commitment to legislate for the Best Interests of the Child; a focus on delivering one and four bed properties to accelerate exits from homelessness; and the targeting of new social homes towards homelessness. 

Conor Culkin (he/him)

Communications Officer

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