The number of homeless people in the State has topped 17,000, a new record high, according to the latest figures from the Department of Housing. There were 2,555 families in emergency accommodation in January, an increase of 77 on December, or 3.1 per cent. This time last year, there were 15,286 people in emergency accommodation, including 4,603 children in 2,164 families. The total number of homeless children now stands at 5,319, a 2.5 per cent monthly increase and a 15.6 per cent yearly increase from January 2025. “Sadly, another social injustice milestone has been reached with record homeless figures,” its chief executive Catherine Kenny said.

Source: The Irish Times February 27, 2026 18:16 UTC