Monthly homeless figures increase by over 200 people

Homeless figures have risen again, according to latest data from the Department of Housing.

A total of 14,966 people were in emergency accommodation in October, which is a rise of 206 on the previous month.

There has also been a rise in the number of children who are homeless.

A total of 4,645 children were living in emergency accommodation in October, which is a rise of 84 from September.

The latest figures show that the number of people in emergency accommodation is at a record high.

CEO of Dublin Simon Community Catherine Kenny has said the real test for the next government will be reducing the numbers, not by simply managing homelessness, but by moving people from emergency accommodation and the streets into social or affordable homes.

She said the only way to deal with homelessness was through a cross-government approach.

"Homelessness is a crisis, and it needs to be treated like one.

"We are calling for transformative solutions that prioritise prevention, affordable housing, and tailored support for the most vulnerable," she said.

Chief Executive of Depaul Ireland David Carroll has also called on any new government to take radical action.

"Behind these numbers are men, women, and children living without a home and the impact on them is devastating", he said.

"Where once 10,000 was thought to be unacceptable - it is hard to understand why we are now accepting this new level of 14,966," he said.