HOMELESS FIGURES FALL IS ‘SEASONAL’

196 fewer people accommodated in emergency digs over Christmas

THERE has been a slight decrease in homeless people accessing emergency accommodation.

Figures for last month show there were 13,318 people, including more than 3,900 children, using such services.

That total represents a fall of 196 people or 1.5% on the previous month.

The small seasonal improvement was welcomed by the Simon Communities of Ireland.

But its executive director

Wayne Stanley said the Government can take no credit for the fall.

He added: “Sadly, [these] figures cannot be seen as a corner turned on homelessness. It is not unusual to see a fall in homeless numbers in December.

“Lower numbers in December are a result of those in homelessness being offered respite by relatives or friends from the trauma, over the Christmas period.

“As those supports are not sustainable, we quickly see a return to increasing numbers of people in homelessness.” Officials said 609 households, including 744 adults and 266 families, were recorded as exiting homelessness in the final quarter of last year.

This represents an increase in the last quarter of 7.6% in household exits.

Nationwide, 1,161 households, including 1,490 adults and 639 families, were recorded as being prevented from entering homelessness during the fourth quarter of 2023.

This represents a rise of 62.8% in household preventions, an increase of 68.9% in adult preventions, and an increase of 96% in family preventions on the third quarter of 2023.

Housing Minister Darragh O’brien said those without a home are the Government’s “top priority”.

He added: “My Department is making funding of €242million available for the delivery of homeless services in 2024.

“That represents a 12.6% increase on the Budget 2023 allocation and we have been clear that there will be no obstacle in funding much needed services.

“There is no doubt whatsoever that immense pressure remains on our homelessness services.

“Supply of housing and accommodation – social, affordable and private – remains the ultimate solution to addressing the challenge longer term.”