Homeless numbers on the rise again in Louth

Homeless numbers in the North East region rose again in January, following a slight fall in December, according to figures released today by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

198 adults accessed local authority managed emergency accommodation in the North East region during the week of 22–28 January 2024, according to the Monthly Homelessness Report January 2024, with 172 in Louth and 26 in Monaghan and Cavan.

This is up from 194 in December, when 169 were reported in Louth and 25 in Monaghan and Cavan. Of the 198 adults in the North East in January, 35 were aged 18-24; 94 aged 25-44; 63 aged 45-64 and six were aged 65 and over.

110 were male and 88 were female. 129 had Irish citizenship; 39 had EEA/UK citizenship; and 30 were non-EEA citizens.

The were was also a slight rise in the number of homeless children in January in the North East. 32 families with 77 children were recorded as homeless in January. This is a fall from the 38 families recorded as homeless in December, but a rise from 75 to 77 in the number of homeless children. Of the 32 families, 19 were single parent families. 

Nationally, 9,504 adults and 4,027 children were recorded as homeless in January, giving a total of 13,531 homeless people. This is up from December, when 9,356 adults and 3,962 children were recorded as homeless, a total of 13,318, homeless people.

Commenting on the latest figures, David Carroll, Chief Executive of DePaul, said today that "This level of homelessness - including 6,308 single men and women - must continue to be an immediate priority in line with the imminent recommendations expected to be included in the Housing Commission's final report on the current state of Ireland’s housing market.

“It will become clearer in the coming months but underlying trends suggest that we may be able to achieve some inroads in reducing aspects of homelessness this year, particularly family homelessness. The high level of those emerging from the single adult cohort continues to concern us and structural responses are needed to address the needs of this vulnerable cohort.”

“Last night, Depaul accommodated 674 people across its homeless accommodation services in the Republic of Ireland and is getting calls every week from individuals who are worried about tenancies and day to day living - people are living week to week, struggling to get by. Demand in the private rental sector has increased right across the country whilst affordable supply has stagnated.”

“Whilst we greatly welcome news of a positive uplift in new home starts, there continues to be a  lack of housing options for single people in particular. Many single adults are being forced to sleep rough if homeless accommodation is not available and they have no family or friends to turn to.”

“The need for increased social housing stock is evident and must be prioritised for those most in need - targeted development for the single cohort is critical. Our service users are faced with the extraordinary challenge of trying to exit temporary accommodation services in the backdrop of a broken housing system.

"The role of Local  Authority Housing Development plans becomes even more important as it allows us to plan properly for the specific needs of each county and region particularly for those in greatest need.”

“We are looking forward to the publication of the Housing Commission’s final report to tackle housing needs, taking into account demographic trends, including the impact of migration  and fundamental recommendations related to the future of the private rental sector. Pursuing recommendations from the report is crucial to delivering housing needs for an extremely vulnerable cohort of people experiencing homelessness, but immediate steps must be taken.”

“Housing is the most basic and fundamental need yet a large number of people in this country do not have a secure, affordable, decent place to call home. Something has to change.  A referendum on the right to housing would protect those who own a home, those renting a home, and those in need of a home now and in the future.”

“More needs to be done to respond effectively to housing needs and to reduce homelessness. The upward trajectory can't continue.”