Dublin Simon calls on Government for dedicated Dublin Housing and Homelessness Strategy as emergency accommodation numbers in the city rise by 9.3% in a year
Despite ongoing efforts to increase housing supply, the epicentre of homelessness remains in the capital.
Dublin, 26th of June 2026: The latest figures from the Department of Housing show 17,447 people are now in emergency accommodation across the country. Of those, 12,370 are in the capital, an increase of 9.3% compared to the same period last year. While there was a marginal decrease compared to the previous report, the figures underline the continued pressure facing households, with many people experiencing homelessness against a backdrop of high rents, rising living costs and a shortage of affordable housing options.
Catherine Kenny CEO of Dublin Simon Community, said, “The greatest demand for housing is in the capital and housing needs capital investment. While recent policy measures have focused on housing supply and changes within the rental sector, the true test of any intervention must be whether fewer people are entering homelessness and whether more people are able to leave homelessness. That is not the case in the capital.
“For Budget 2027, Dublin remains the epicentre of Ireland’s homelessness crisis. We need a dedicated Dublin housing and homelessness strategy, backed by clear targets, accountability and sustained investment. The ambition to address must match the greatness of the challenge. We are calling on the Government to double the capital funding to €2.1 billion for investment in 5,000 new builds of social housing in Dublin. Progress is possible and achievable, but it requires continued commitment, investment and collaboration across housing, health and social care systems.”
The latest data from the Department of Housing also includes 1,869 families and 4,106 children living in emergency accommodation in Dublin. These figures don’t account for those rough sleeping, in insecure accommodation, in domestic violence shelters, or those in hidden homelessness (people sleeping in tents, cars, on couches). Nor do they include people seeking international protection, who follow a separate accommodation pathway through IPAS.
Kenny added: “We know that the crisis is not caused by any single factor. Given the complexity of different intersecting pressures, we must deliver an integrated response with housing, health and social supports as part of a coherent plan. The longer people remain in homelessness, the greater the impact on their health, well-being and future opportunities. Reducing homelessness requires sustained commitment across government, local authorities, housing providers and support services.
“Housing is central to the solution, and we welcome the efforts towards delivering more homes. However, it is clearly not enough. Which is why ahead of Budget 2027, we are calling on the Government to boost its investment in proven solutions and trusted partners.”
Looking ahead to Budget 2027, Dublin Simon Community is calling for:
Creation of a dedicated Dublin Housing and Homelessness Strategy and Budget for 2027–2030, led and funded by national Government.
- The strategy should function as an overarching framework to review, integrate, and coordinate existing policies and funding priorities in the Dublin area.
- Consideration should be given to a Dublin Housing and Homelessness Crisis Team reporting directly across relevant departments and agencies tasked with the implementation of the strategy.
Increase investment in housing supply and permanent exits from homelessness.
- Increase Dublin’s capital social housing investment from €1.1 billion to €2.1 billion in 2027, supporting the delivery of 5,000 newly built social homes.
- Set a clear target of 2,000 sustained exits from homelessness into permanent housing in Dublin by the end of 2027, shifting the focus from emergency accommodation use to long-term housing outcomes.
- Develop a long-term single-adult homeless plan for the largest cohort in emergency accommodation.
- Ensure Approved Housing Bodies are adequately resourced as essential partners in delivering high-quality homes and supporting people to sustain tenancies.
Invest in Long-Term Supported Accommodation solutions for people with complex needs.
- Double investment in Long-Term Supported Accommodation from €12.7 million to €24 million by 2028.
- Recognise that some people require stable accommodation alongside ongoing supports to manage health, addiction and daily living needs.
- Properly funded and delivered, these services reduce reliance on emergency accommodation and improve long-term outcomes.
For media queries, please contact
Michael Buggle
Position: Communications and Marketing Manager
Email: michaelbuggle@dubsimon.ie
Phone: +353 86 832 2357