Dundalk Simon Community Statement on December 2024 Homeless Report

 In 2025, it is high time for those in power to remember those without it 

Dundalk, 31st January 2024: With a new Government in place, there must finally be action on homelessness. The Department of Housing’s latest report reveals 400 homeless people in the North-East region, equating to 62 families, 138 children and 178 single adults across counties Louth, Cavan and Monaghan.     

These figures, however, 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. 

Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dublin Simon Community, said: “While we welcome the slight decrease in the number of people in emergency accommodation around the country, we are still unable to accept the injustice of almost 15,000 without a place to call home. This figure represents a 12% increase on the number in emergency accommodation compared to December 2023. As one of the wealthiest nations in the world, we cannot and should not tolerate a society where so many are left without the basic human necessity of shelter.” 

“The Government should take little comfort in the minor reduction in the numbers in emergency accommodation services. It is not uncommon for these numbers to dip around Christmas time as some people find other places to stay. A partial decrease does not take away from the fact that there are thousands without the comfort of a home.” 

“Dublin Simon Community will continue to advocate for the many people experiencing homelessness and will continue to hold the Government to account. We believe it is the responsibility of this new cabinet, taking an interdepartmental approach, to sufficiently address this crisis in a way that previous administrations have failed to. It is time for those in power to remember those without it and finally invest in workable solutions.” 

Commitments from the New Government 

Dublin Simon Community is calling on the new administration to fulfil the promises it has made to the people of Ireland, particularly to action plan the following: 

• The establishment of a standalone homeless action plan that addresses prevention, supports those in emergency accommodation and pathways from homelessness to housing and increase funding for addiction services.

• The commitment to establish a new Housing plan to replace ‘Housing for All’

• The commitment to ensure a holistic, cross departmental approach to homelessness prevention.

Additionally, Dublin Simon Community is urging the Government to: 

• Implement the recommendations of both the Report of the Housing Commission and the Citizens Assembly on Drug Use

• Adequately fund Section 10 and Section 39 organisations.

Homeless services are and will continue to be under pressure with thousands of people without a home around the country. The situation cannot be allowed to spiral beyond the current crisis point. The new cabinet has been formed. The hard work must commence without delay.