DUBLIN, Ireland: Homelessness in Ireland has reached another record high, with 16,614 people now relying on emergency accommodation.

New data from the Department for Housing shows that adults remain the largest group experiencing homelessness. Their numbers rose from 10,683 in January to 11,376 in September—a 6.5 percent increase.

But child homelessness is rising even faster. The number of children in emergency housing grew by 13.8 percent over the same period, jumping from 4,603 to 5,238. That increase is more than double the rate among adults.

Ber Grogan, executive director of the Simon Communities of Ireland, said the government is failing children who have nowhere stable to live. She said kids should focus on everyday childhood experiences, like Halloween festivities, not worry about where they will sleep.

"Families should be planning fun activities, not counting down the days they can stay in an emergency bed," she said. "Young people should be beginning their futures, not entering adulthood through homelessness."

The figures also reveal that while men still make up the majority of homeless adults, the gender gap is shrinking. From January to September, the number of homeless men grew by 232 (3.5 percent), while the number of homeless women jumped by 461 (11.2 percent).

Overall, homelessness has climbed by more than 1,300 people since the start of the year. Rising rents, more evictions, and a shortage of long-term housing continue to put pressure on the system. A temporary eviction ban was in place from November 2022 to March 2023 to help slow the increase, but the numbers have continued to rise.

Sinn Féin housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin described the latest statistics as "very, very grim," noting increases across almost every category, including an additional 50 families without stable housing. He called on Housing Minister James Browne to strengthen his housing plan and to prioritize ending long-term homelessness.

Ó Broin said the government must raise targets for building social housing and boost funding beyond what was announced in October's budget. "We cannot come here month after month and see these numbers increase," he said. "It's now time for James Browne to put up or shut up."

Compared to the end of the third quarter of 2024, homeless numbers are up by 1,854 people, or 12.6 percent. The latest figures do not include those sleeping rough, staying temporarily with friends or family, or living in hospitals, domestic violence shelters, or accommodation for asylum seekers.