Homelessness remains at record levels just ahead of publication of a new national housing plan.
Latest figures show urgent need for a new housing plan with integrated supports to help people leave homelessness for good.
Dublin, 31st October 2025: With just weeks until the publication of a new national housing plan, reports today show that over 16,614 are trapped in emergency accommodation nationally. The number of people in the country experiencing homelessness continues to rise unabated.
Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dublin Simon Community, said, “These are probably the last set of figures to be announced prior to the Government launching a new housing plan. It is nothing short of shameful that more than 16,614 are currently living through the nightmare of homelessness, with 11,952 in Dublin alone. Homelessness remains at record levels heading into another winter. Every number represents a person without the security of a home. What’s needed is a comprehensive set of measures that combines efforts across housing, health and social care, specific to those in emergency accommodation. This should be outlined in the upcoming housing plan. We cannot afford further delays; the time for action is now. The Government must publish this in the coming weeks.”
Latest figures
The latest data from the Department of Housing confirms 16,614 individuals are now in emergency accommodation nationwide. 11,952 were recorded in Dublin, representing a staggering 12% year-on-year increase.
The latest report also includes 1,732 families and 3,887 children living in emergency accommodation in Dublin, a figure that does not even account for those rough sleeping, in insecure accommodation, individuals in domestic violence shelters, or those in hidden homelessness—people sleeping in tents, cars, on couches, or in unsuitable living conditions.
Kenny added, “While we recognise measures announced recently aiming to accelerate building and increase the housing stock, these initiatives offer little comfort to those currently without a place to call home. These people need directed measures that can help them to exit homelessness in the foreseeable future.”
Dublin Simon Community Asks of Government in the New Housing Plan:
- Prioritise social and affordable housing supply: Increase supply until it reaches at least 20% of the national housing stock, with a minimum of 20% of allocations reserved for people experiencing long-term homelessness, sized appropriately to their needs.
- Resource the AHB sector adequately: Recognise that Local Authorities and AHBs deliver 75% of homes for those exiting homelessness. Fund both large development-focused AHBs and smaller, niche providers to ensure diversity, quality, and volume.
- Reform capital funding models: Review and update the guidelines for capital funding models for the provision of social housing by AHBs.
- Expedite planning processes: Remove red tape slowing down the delivery of vital social housing projects.