No end in sight: Homeless figures continue to rise
Government’s latest housing and rental reforms offer little comfort or exit strategy to those experiencing homelessness today.
Dundalk, 25th July 2025: As the homeless numbers continue to rise, Dundalk Simon Community is imploring the Government to tackle the crisis. Unmet housing targets, the low availability of rental properties and the lack of specific supports for people experiencing homelessness all must be addressed to turn the tide on the emergency.
The Department of Housing’s latest report reveals 321 people in emergency accommodation in the North-East region, equating to 48 families, 101 children and 150 single adults across counties Louth, Cavan and Monaghan.
Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dundalk Simon Community said, “The alarm bells have been ringing for far too long. We’re in the thick of a national emergency and still we wait for the Government to take decisive action. Of utmost concern is the rate of homelessness in the capital compared to the rest of the country. Since January, homelessness in Dublin has increased at a rate four times greater than outside the capital. A lack of delivery on social housing targets and resources to the housing sector in a growing capital comes with a price. The most vulnerable people are paying that price. Month after month, year after year, our capital city has seen more and more of its citizens left without a place to call home. With well over 11,000 stuck in emergency accommodation in Dublin, at what point will the Government decide to do what is necessary to address this great injustice?”
She added, “While we await the details of a national housing plan and the potential impact of relaxing rent pressure zones and reducing the size of apartments, there is little in terms of immediate action to address the reality of 15,915 languishing in emergency accommodation. The increased investment in housing infrastructure in the new National Development Plan is of course welcome, but people experiencing homelessness right now cannot wait any longer for a solution. Once again, Dundalk Simon Community is calling on the Government to recognise and respond to this emergency in the national housing plan.”
Dundalk Simon Asks of Government:
- Prioritise social and affordable housing supply: Increase supply until it reaches at least 20% of the national housing stock, with a minimum of 20% of allocations reserved for people experiencing long-term homelessness, sized appropriately to their needs.
- Resource the AHB sector adequately: Recognise that Local Authorities and AHBs deliver 75% of homes for those exiting homelessness. Fund both large development-focused AHBs and smaller, niche providers to ensure diversity, quality, and volume.
- Reform capital funding models: Review and update the guidelines for capital funding models for the provision of social housing by AHBs.
- Expedite planning processes: Remove red tape slowing down the delivery of vital social housing projects.
