Louth sees decrease in homelessness figures
146 adults homeless in Louth as county dominates North East figures
The Department's Monthly Homelessness Report for May 2026 shows that 146 adults were in emergency accommodation in Louth during the week of May 25-31. This is down from the April figure of 155. This represents more than 92% of all adults recorded across the North East region, which includes Louth, Cavan and Monaghan.
Across the North East, a total of 158 adults were accessing emergency accommodation, with just 12 people recorded across Cavan and Monaghan combined, where figures are aggregated because of the low numbers. This figure is down from the 172 adults who were accessing emergency accommodation in April.
Nationally, homelessness figures are at 17,447 people, including 11,864 adults and 5,583 children, with children accounting for almost one-third (32%) of everyone living in emergency accommodation.
The report also found that across the North East:
- 136 adults were single-person households
- 99 were men and 59 were women
- 79 adults (50%) were aged between 25 and 44
- 43 were aged between 45 and 64
- 30 were aged between 18 and 24
- Six people were aged over 65
In terms of nationality, 116 adults were Irish citizens, 20 were from the EEA or UK, while 22 were non-EEA nationals.
Accommodation data shows that 101 adults in the North East were staying in supported temporary accommodation, while 56 were in private emergency accommodation. Just one person was recorded in temporary emergency accommodation.
The report found that 17 families were living in emergency accommodation across the North East region during the final week of May.
Those families included 22 adults and 35 dependent children
Of the 17 families, 15 were single-parent households.
The figures come in the same week that national housing charity Threshold revealed in its annual report that it supported 430 households in Louth during 2025, including 578 adults and 515 children.
The charity helped 71 Louth households to remain in their homes and avoid entering homelessness, supporting 100 adults and 97 children through homelessness-prevention work.
Threshold also recorded 281 new cases in Louth last year, while 245 households in the county were identified as being at risk of homelessness.
Commenting on the homelessness figures, Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dundalk Simon Community, said, “We welcome the continued decrease in the number of people living in emergency accommodation in Louth, Monaghan and Cavan.”
The latest data from the Department of Housing also includes 17 families and 35 children living in emergency accommodation across the region. 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.
“Nationwide, 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.”
Kenny added, “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.”
Chairperson of Threshold Oliver Holt said: “The charity’s clients reflect the reality of Ireland’s private rental sector today, spanning families, pensioners, students and low-income workers, many of whom have limited housing alternatives. For many, a single event such as relationship breakdown, job loss, illness or landlord action can quickly place their home at risk.
“Ongoing pressures in the sector, including rent increases, poor housing standards, deposit disputes and barriers to accessing social housing, also continue to undermine stability for tenants.
“Threshold’s mission is two-fold: service provision for renters requiring Threshold’s assistance, and advocacy for housing justice on their behalf. Homelessness continues to break record levels and over 1 in every 3 contacts to Threshold’s services do so because they have received a Notice of Termination.
“Threshold welcomes the new tenancy legislation commencing on 1 March 2026 as a significant step forward in strengthening protections for renters, bringing improved security and greater stability within the private rental sector.