Child Homelessness in Ireland Rises 19% as Record 17,500 People in Emergency Accommodation
New government figures have revealed that child homelessness in Ireland has surged by 19.1% in the past year, with more than 5,500 children now living in emergency accommodation — part of a record high of 17,517 people homeless across the country.
Background
Ireland's homelessness crisis has been deepening for several years, driven by a chronic shortage of social and affordable housing, rising rents, and increasing eviction notices. The latest figures, published in April 2026 and covering March 2026, represent the highest number of people ever recorded in emergency accommodation in the state.
Key Developments
The March 2026 figures show 5,571 children in emergency accommodation — an increase of 896 children compared to March 2025, when the figure stood at 4,675. The total number of families in emergency accommodation rose by 20.2% over the same period, with 2,659 families now homeless. Of these, 57.4% are headed by single parents.
The Tánaiste, Simon Harris, acknowledged the figures were "far too high" and that child homelessness was "unacceptable," while stating the government was delivering more social homes. He indicated a specific action plan to tackle child and family homelessness would be published before the summer recess.
Housing charities have described the situation as "unconscionable." The Simon Communities of Ireland noted a 17% increase in 18-to-24-year-olds becoming homeless over the past 12 months, and a 63.3% increase in single adults in emergency accommodation compared to five years ago. Sinn Féin's housing spokesperson, Eoin Ó Broin, has called for an emergency mini-budget to address the crisis, pointing to a 66% reduction in social housing acquisitions in 2025 compared to 2024.
Why It Matters
The figures come amid growing political pressure on the government over housing policy. New rent regulations introduced in March 2026, which include rent increase caps and minimum six-year tenancies, have been criticised for incentivising landlords to issue eviction notices — with the number of such notices rising by 45% in recent months. Critics also point to the increase in people leaving direct provision centres and subsequently becoming homeless, particularly in Dublin.
What's Next
The government has committed to publishing a dedicated action plan on child and family homelessness before the summer. Housing charities are calling for urgent prioritisation of long-term homeless families for social housing and an acceleration of affordable housing delivery. Read the full Irish Times report here.
