Ireland's housing predicament needing further attention?
In Ireland, the issue of homelessness continues to be a pressing concern. The government has declared its commitment to supporting individuals and families facing homelessness, but the numbers affected by this crisis are on the rise.
Recent statistics show that in September 2024, there were 14,760 people in emergency accommodation in Ireland, including 4,561 children from 2,133 families. The Southwest region (Cork and Kerry) saw 183 children without a permanent home.
The increase in homelessness is primarily attributed to a lack of affordable rental housing and insufficient supply within social supports like the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme. In June 2025, there were only 32 properties available nationwide within HAP price limits, a 22% decrease from March 2025.
The shortage of affordable rental properties has significantly reduced exits from homelessness into stable housing. The declining supply of rental housing within the price thresholds of supports like HAP makes it difficult for families and individuals leaving emergency accommodation to find housing.
The main driver of adult-only homelessness currently includes people exiting direct provision accommodation.
The Irish government has introduced measures to improve access to rental housing for those experiencing homelessness, such as discretionary and boosted HAP rates. However, these measures are yet to fully take effect and appear insufficient given the persistent shortage of supply and rising demand.
Advocacy groups and experts are calling for more urgent and comprehensive action. Solutions suggested include increasing the supply of affordable and social housing, providing specific and age-appropriate responses for vulnerable groups, supporting exit pathways from emergency accommodation, and addressing the broader housing market crisis.
Sinn Fein politician Mr. Pat Sheehan has advocated for a referendum on a right to housing. He believes that a minister with necessary powers can drive and implement cross-departmental action to tackle homelessness, and he has suggested a dedicated role in government for homelessness.
The upcoming election, scheduled for 29 November, is aimed at extending the Fine Gael party's 14-year run in power. However, the latest housing statistics suggest that Fianna Fáil could win the election in 2024.
The rising homelessness numbers have sparked a debate about the affordability of private sector rents. Mr. Sheehan argues that high rents in the private sector make social housing a more affordable option for many families.
Despite the challenges, there is a growing consensus that addressing the housing crisis can underpin social cohesion, economic development, and a better future for all in the State. With the election approaching, the next government will have a minister of state with responsibility for homelessness, offering a potential opportunity to tackle this deepening crisis.
[1] ESRI Report, "Homelessness and Housing in Ireland," 2024 [2] Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage, "Housing for All," 2024 [3] Simon Communities Report, "State of Homelessness in Ireland," 2024 [4] Focus Ireland Report, "Homelessness in Ireland: A Crisis Deepens," 2024
- The Irish government, in light of the escalating homelessness crisis, is contemplating the introduction of a right to housing through a referendum, as suggested by Sinn Fein politician Mr. Pat Sheehan, who believes such a measure would empower a minister with the necessary powers to drive cross-departmental action and address the issue effectively.
- To tackle the persistent shortage of affordable housing that contributes to homelessness, advocacy groups and experts are urging for increased production of social and low-cost homes, along with implementing targeted solutions for vulnerable populations, enhancing exit pathways from emergency accommodation, and reevaluating the private rental market.
