Dundalk Simon Community: 'The time to tackle homelessness is now'

Dundalk Simon Community has said that “the time to tackle homelessness is now”, following the release of the latest homeless figures by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, which show that the number of homeless people in Louth and the North East region rose yet again in November.

273 adults accessed local authority managed emergency accommodation during the week of 18-24 November 2024 in the North East region, with 242 of them in Louth. This is up from 256 in October in the North East, which included 235 Louth. The North East region comprises Louth, Monaghan and Cavan. 12 people were recorded as homeless in Monaghan and 19 in Cavan.

Of the 273 adults in the North East region, 140 were male and 133 were female. 46 were aged 18-24 years old; 144 aged 25-44 years old; 75 aged 45-64 years old; and eight of the people were aged 65 and over - up from six in October. 154 were Irish citizens; 60 were EEA/UK citizens; and 59 were non-EEA citizens. 

69 families with 152 children were also recorded as homeless in the North East region in November. While it is down one on the 70 families recorded in October, the number of homeless children has increased by two.

In a statement, Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dundalk Simon Community, said that it is imperative that solving the homelessness crisis remains at the top of the political agenda, and pointed to the fact that the latest government figures do not account for those rough sleeping, individuals in domestic violence shelters, refugees, or asylum seekers on our streets.

These figures also exclude those in hidden homelessness: people sleeping in cars, staying with friends, on sofas, or in unsuitable conditions.

Ms Kenny said that “Between the election campaign and the government formation talks, our politicians have spent the last couple of months outlining what they see as the best way forward for our country. While we have listened to numerous promises, a simple fact remains: there are now over 15,000 people in emergency accommodation across the country, a number previously thought inconceivable.

“As each number continues to shatter the record made by the last, the term crisis begins to lose all meaning. The time for political debate is over,” Kenny added. “The incoming government must act decisively and urgently to protect the most vulnerable in our society.

“Words are not enough—now is the time for tangible action. With a new government taking shape, there is an opportunity for bold action. Preventative measures are key to stopping the flow of individuals and families into homelessness, while increasing the stock of social and affordable housing is essential to ensure homeownership is accessible to all, regardless of income. Without urgent, coordinated action, this crisis will continue to spiral.”

Dundalk Simon said it is calling on the incoming government to take a comprehensive, interdepartmental approach in addressing homelessness. It added that “the future coalition must ensure that cross-government cooperation is a reality in order to really improve the lives of those experiencing homelessness in Ireland”.

Nationally, 10,541 adults and 4,658 children were recorded as homeless in November, giving a total of 15,199 homeless people, up from 14,966 in October and another record high number of homeless people in the State. Commenting on November’s Homeless report, David Carroll, Chief Executive of Depaul, called on the incoming government to take “radical action as we witness never before seen homelessness numbers of 15,199, including 2,168 families, now accessing local authority managed emergency accommodation”.

Mr Carroll said that: “Today’s publication lays bare the heart breaking reality that thousands of children, families and individuals are now experiencing homelessness in Ireland. The obvious truth is the housing market is not working for those most vulnerable, and we have to draw a line in the sand on what is acceptable and reverse the trend as we begin a new year.

“We would ask that all social housing being delivered in the first six months of 2025 must be prioritised for those families stuck in temporary accommodation. The incoming Government must give hope to those more than 15,000 people languishing in temporary accommodation, many who have been there for over a year or more and there is no coherent housing plan for those in Direct provision who have permission to remain in Ireland.”

Mr Carroll added: “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.”