Homelessness in Ireland has reached record levels throguhout 2025. For the first time ever, national figures exceed 16,000, with more than 5,000 children living in emergency homeless accommodation. According to the latest figures published by the Department of Housing, 16,058 people are experiencing homelessness. This marks an increase of 143 compared to the previous month and a rise of 1,755 compared to the numbers reported in July 2024. The numbers continue to rise unabated. Urgent and decisive action from the government is needed now more than ever.
The data only includes individuals accessing state funded emergency homeless accommodation across Ireland. People who are rough sleeping, living in squats, living in domestic violence refuges or those who are hidden homeless are not included in the figures. People who seek International Protection are also not captured in this data.
This week thousands of children returned to school from a hotel room, many of whom have been living in these utterly unsuitable arrangements for years. We must ringfence social housing for households who experience long-term homelessness and we must invest in preventative measures.
As we approach Budget 2026, we urge the government to ensure that housing supply, homeless accommodation and comprehensive prevention measures are adequately and sustainably resourced. Only by addressing these areas at the scale required can we meaningfully respond to the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis.
July 2025 Key Statistics:
- Total homeless population: 16,058
- Adults: 11,044
- (of which) Single adults: 7,075
- Young adults (ages 18 – 24): 1,932
- Families: 2,343
- (of which) single parent families: 1,348
- Children (under 18): 5,014
Gender Breakdown (Adults):
- Male: 6,665
- Female: 4,379
