Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan has responded to figures published today showing that the number of people living in homeless accommodation has risen above 14,000 for the first time.
Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said:
“There are now 14,009 people living in homeless emergency accommodation – the highest ever recorded in the history of the State.
“Shockingly, 4,206 of these are children and 217 are pensioners.
“The latest record-breaking homeless figures come in the wake of the damning report from the Housing Commission, which identified a deficit of up to 256,000 homes.
“This enormous shortfall of homes is having a direct impact on the record numbers of people becoming homeless.
“A key recommendation of the Housing Commission report was to establish a Housing Delivery Oversight Executive to identify and address blockages to housing delivery and oversee investment in public utilities on land zoned for housing.
“The Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien has rejected this recommendation, describing it as ‘problematic’.
“A shortfall 256,000 homes is deeply problematic. Thousands of children growing up without a home is deeply problematic. The Minister’s dismissive response to the Housing Commission’s report is deeply problematic.
“Instead of rejecting these recommendations out of hand, the Minister should listen to the constructive solutions from the Housing Commission.
“He must take urgent action to protect people from the trauma of becoming homeless.”
May 31, 2024