No end in sight: Dublin figures continue to rise
Homeless figures in the capital continue to snowball, increasing eight times more than rest of the country since January. Government’s latest housing and rental reforms offer little comfort or exit strategy to those experiencing homelessness today.
Dublin, 25th July 2025: As the homeless numbers in Dublin continue to rise, Dublin Simon Community is imploring the Government to tackle the crisis in the nation’s capital. Unmet housing targets, the low availability of rental properties and the lack of specific supports for people experiencing homelessness all must be addressed to turn the tide on the emergency.
Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dublin Simon Community said, “The alarm bells have been ringing for far too long. We’re in the thick of a national emergency and still we wait for the Government to take decisive action. Of utmost concern is the rate of homelessness in the capital compared to the rest of the country. Since January, homelessness in Dublin has increased at a rate four times greater than outside the capital. A lack of delivery on social housing targets and resources to the housing sector in a growing capital comes with a price. The most vulnerable people are paying that price. Month after month, year after year, our capital city has seen more and more of its citizens left without a place to call home. With well over 11,000 stuck in emergency accommodation in Dublin, at what point will the Government decide to do what is necessary to address this great injustice?”
Latest figures
The latest data from the Department of Housing confirms 15,915 individuals now in emergency accommodation nationwide. 11,421 were recorded in Dublin, representing a staggering 10% year-on-year increase.
The latest report also includes 1,626 families and 3,666 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.
Analysis of the monthly increases comparing Dublin and rest of the county saw an increase of homeless in Dublin by 411 compared to 50 for the rest of the country between January to May 2025.
“While we await the details of a national housing plan and the potential impact of relaxing rent pressure zones and reducing the size of apartments, there is little in terms of immediate action to address the reality of 15,915 languishing in emergency accommodation. The increased investment in housing infrastructure in the new National Development Plan is of course welcome, but people experiencing homelessness right now cannot wait any longer for a solution. Once again, Dublin Simon Community is calling on the Government to recognise and respond to this emergency in the national housing plan.”
Dublin Simon Asks of Government:
- 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.
Dublin Simon’s teams work night and day to assist those with nowhere else to turn. In any 24-hour period, the charity supports over 1,300 people across its services.