July Figures Show Increase In Homelessness

Recent figures from the Department of Housing have shown an increase in the amount of people requiring emergency accommodation across the country.

A total of 10,275 individuals were without a home in July, including 6,497 adults, 1,721 families and 3,778 dependants.

This represents an increase of 103 when compared to the previous month.

In July, in Dublin, 221 families were deemed as being homeless. 97 families were found a home immediately and 116 families exited emergency accommodation.

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government Eoghan Murphy TD said the figures are a reminder that the challenge of homelessness still remains.

He commented: "There are fewer families and children in emergency accommodation today than this time last year. Of course there shouldn't be any, but the fact that there are less, despite continuing high levels of presentations each month, speaks to the huge response from NGO's, the DRHE, local authorities and the Government. I want to thank them for their dedication in helping people in such a crisis."

Responding to the most recent statistics, Sinn Fein accused the minister of not being up to the task of solving the crisis.

Dublin TD Denise Mitchell said Deputy Murphy's actions are only contributing to a worsening situation.

She commented: "1,265 families in Dublin, representing almost 2,800 children, are still trapped in homelessness. The number of children in emergency accommodation across the state has only increased since the last set of figures were released.

"The Minister may say that the number of adults has not increased. I say that remaining static is not making progress. Not for those raising their families in hotel rooms.

"Minister Murphy and his government are not up to the task of solving the homelessness crisis in this country. Their devotion to the private market is shortsighted and only leading to a greater problem with spiralling rents and a subsequent lower standard of living for families across the state."



(JG/MH)