Almost 17,000 people homeless in December, figures revealBy Gráinne Ní Aodha, Press AssociationThere were almost 17,000 people homeless in December, including over 5,000 children, according to official figures. Homeless charities said that the slight drop is likely part of a seasonal trend where families and friends offer help to families at Christmas. Ber Grogan, executive director of the Simon Communities of Ireland, said the 1.5 per cent drop in homelessness must be sustained. “Lower figures at this time often reflect people being temporarily offered respite by friends or family. The State has the resources to solve this housing emergency, but it lacks the political will to do so, and until that changes these numbers will continue to rise.”

Source: Irish Independent January 30, 2026 15:17 UTC