NOVAS welcomes the Government’s 2025–2030 Housing Plan and its renewed focus on addressing homelessness, while emphasising that sustained action on the ground will be essential to deliver on its ambitions. The commitment to ending homelessness in Ireland by 2030 is significant, but it will require unwavering political will, consistent investment and clear accountability throughout the lifetime of the plan.

We particularly welcome the prioritisation of increased supply of one-bedroom homes for single adults and four-bedroom homes for larger families—two groups that make up a substantial proportion of the people NOVAS supports every day. Addressing their specific needs is critical to reducing the pressure on emergency services and ensuring people can access appropriate, long-term housing.

The plan’s pledge to deliver at least 300,000 new homes by 2030, including 72,000 social homes, is the minimum necessary to meet existing and emerging need. While this commitment is positive, the absence of annual delivery targets is a cause for concern. Without clear year-on-year benchmarks, it will be difficult to measure progress and maintain the momentum required to achieve the plan’s goals.

We also welcome the commitment to develop a cross-departmental, multi-agency Child and Family Homelessness Action Plan, informed by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. This long-overdue recognition of the distinct needs of children and families marks an important shift in national policy. The dedicated €100 million fund in 2026 to support families and children exiting long-term homelessness is a crucial and timely intervention.

NOVAS reaffirms its commitment to working alongside Government, local authorities, and partner organisations to deliver housing and support solutions that restore dignity, stability, and independence to people experiencing homelessness.