New data for February 2026 shows homelessness has risen to 17,308

Ireland’s homelessness crisis is worsening and urgent prevention measures are now critical, according to Depaul CEO David Carroll.

Responding to the latest figures from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Carroll said the situation is becoming increasingly entrenched and requires immediate coordinated action.

New data for February 2026 shows homelessness has risen to 17,308 people, including 11,851 adults and 5,457 children living in emergency accommodation.

Mr Carroll warned the figures reflect what frontline services are experiencing daily, with growing numbers of families entering homelessness.

He called for the swift rollout of the Government’s forthcoming Homeless Prevention Framework, stressing it must be adequately resourced. He highlighted pressures in the private rental sector, urging supports for small landlords to prevent further loss of rental homes.

Mr Carroll also welcomed a review of the Housing Assistance Payment system but warned that families exiting IPAS accommodation risk being pushed into homelessness without sufficient supports in place.