The number of homeless children is up from 5,274 in October and 4,658 in November 2025The number of homeless people in the State continues to climb, having reached almost 17,000 people – including 5,321 children – a new record high described as “heartbreaking” by one organisation working with destitute families. The number of homeless children is up from 5,274 in October and from 4,658 in November 2025. It represents an 11.8 per cent increase since November 2024 when there were 15,199 people homeless. Of the more than 5,000 homeless children, 3,939 (74 per cent) were in Dublin. Roughan McNamara, head of media and communication with Focus Ireland, said a situation where 5,321 children were beginning 2026 from emergency accommodation was “heartbreaking”.

Source: The Irish Times January 02, 2026 14:24 UTC