Homeless total jumps 27% in year

ALMOST 7,500 people were officially classed as homeless last month, figures revealed yesterday.

The number finding themselves in emergency accommodation in February representing a 27% rise in the past year.

Housing Minister Simon Coveney said while the statistics were “disappointing” they did not come as a surprise.

He added: “February’s figures are a stark reminder of the difficulties we face in dealing with the homelessness problem.”

But Sinn Fein’s housing spokesman Eoin O Broin called on Mr Coveney to review his plan and adopt a more urgent approach.