Over 5,500 Children Now Homeless in Ireland as Crisis Hits Record High

New figures released by the Department of Housing have revealed that 5,571 children are currently living in emergency accommodation across Ireland — a 19.1% increase compared to March 2025 and the highest number ever recorded in the history of the State. The figures, published on Friday, show that overall homelessness has also reached a new record high, with 17,517 people in emergency accommodation in March 2026. This represents a 13.6% increase year-on-year and is 209 more than the February 2026 figure. Dublin remains the epicentre of the crisis, with 4,118 children — 74% of the national total — homeless in the capital. Of the 2,659 families in emergency accommodation, 57.4% are headed by single parents. Housing charities have described the figures as 'unconscionable.' Focus Ireland said the numbers were 'heartbreaking' and called for families and long-term homeless individuals to be prioritised for social housing. The Simon Communities of Ireland warned there are 'no signs of the numbers reversing.' Tánaiste Simon Harris acknowledged the figures were 'far too high,' stating: 'Any homeless child in particular is something that cannot be accepted.' He confirmed the government is developing a Child and Family Homelessness Action Plan, expected before the summer recess. Sinn Féin's housing spokesman Eoin Ó Broin blamed inadequate funding for prevention schemes, pointing to a 66% reduction in social housing acquisitions in 2025 compared to 2024. The Simon Communities also noted a 45% rise in eviction notices in recent months. The government has committed €100 million in 2026 to purchase second-hand homes for families who have been in emergency accommodation the longest, and new legislation will require housing decisions for homeless families to consider the best interests of the child. Labour's housing spokesperson Conor Sheehan said the figures were 'the worst ever recorded in the history of the State' and should not be considered normal.