Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Eamonn Farrell via Rolling News

'It's absolutely disgraceful': There are still over 2,800 children homeless in Ireland

There were 1365 families with 2895 children staying in emergency accommodation in June.

THERE ARE OVER 2,800 children homeless in Ireland, latest figures show.

The figures for homeless people staying in emergency accommodation in June were released today, showing a slight rise in the numbers of homeless families and children.

In total, there were 1365 families with 2895 children staying in emergency accommodation in June.

This marks a rise of 118 children from the numbers from May.

There were 5,046 homeless adults in emergency accommodation in June, a small rise on the previous month.

Of homeless adults, 2,131 were placed in private emergency accommodation, which includes commercial hotels and B&Bs across the country. There were 1,471 homeless adults in this type of accommodation in Dublin alone.

Announcing the latest figures, a statement from the Department of Housing said:

“While the overall numbers in emergency accommodation showed an increase during June, progress is being made in relation to moving families out of hotels and B&Bs.”

Speaking to TheJournal.ie this afternoon, Sinn Féin TD Eoin Ó Broin said:

“It’s absolutely disgraceful that the minister and department are releasing figures late in the afternoon on a bank holiday Friday.

“What’s more worrying is the figure themselves.

Clearly, not only has the government not been able to get families out of hotels by the deadline of the end of June, but they’re not able to get to grips with the ever increasing number of families presenting as homeless.

Capture Department of Housing Department of Housing

Family Hubs

In July, Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy confirmed that a deadline set by his predecessor Simon Coveney to have all families out of commercial hotels by July would not be met.

In light of this, The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) has called for a change in law to ensure homeless families don’t spend long periods in group home ‘family hubs’.

Family hubs are group homes for homeless families which were first announced by Government earlier this year.

A total of 18 hubs are planned for Dublin, with a number already operational in the city. It is planned that 634 families will be housed in these hubs while further funds have been committed to developing more.

The full report for June is available here

Read: Cockroaches, mould and chronic drug abuse in front of children – life in homeless accommodation

More: Irish Human Rights Commission worried new hubs could ‘normalise’ family homelessness

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
66 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul
    Favourite Paul
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 5:48 PM

    Would love to know how many of these families are in employment….

    255
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dáithí Ó Raghallaigh
    Favourite Dáithí Ó Raghallaigh
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 5:58 PM

    @Paul: I would like to know how many of them have just arrived in the country. There is a army of street beggars arriving weekly in this country and they know where to get emergency payments and housing. Cause were a soft touch.

    317
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Adrian
    Favourite Adrian
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 6:02 PM

    @Paul: I would love to know the real homeless figures. I’d say it’s a lot higher than official gov figures.

    113
    See 17 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Skinnerbot
    Favourite Skinnerbot
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 6:06 PM

    @Dáithí Ó Raghallaigh: you even manage to attempt to blame homeless figures on immigrants? What a hateful soul you are

    45
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Andy Dwyer
    Favourite Andy Dwyer
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 6:10 PM

    @Adrian: I’d say it’s a lot less than official government figures when you remove the lifers who are staying in hotels until they get a 3 bed with garden next to their ma.

    128
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kerry Blake
    Favourite Kerry Blake
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 6:10 PM

    @Paul: I’d imagine because they are homeless they are not in employment……

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Peadar Ó Gréacháin
    Favourite Peadar Ó Gréacháin
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 6:14 PM

    @Paul: what has that got to do with it, could have been employed before they became homeless and lost there job like thousands of others,….. get a grip.

    52
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul
    Favourite Paul
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 6:28 PM

    @Peadar Ó Gréacháin: yeah and I expect a lot never worked a day in their lives, this been the problem.

    71
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave Doyle
    Favourite Dave Doyle
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 6:57 PM

    @Paul: Why?

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave Doyle
    Favourite Dave Doyle
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 7:03 PM

    @Paul: It’s not the problem. The problem is neoliberal policies that refuse to build social housing, and are happy to see rents go through the roof. Your mindless pitiful neoliberal excuses for policies that’s destroying society in a greed driven drive to maximise profit is the problem. Blame the unemployed on being umenployed, the poor on being poor, the homeless on being homeless. Typical fraperoom drivel.

    55
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul
    Favourite Paul
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 7:11 PM

    @Dave Doyle: oh classic build me a house type…..

    51
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dáithí Ó Raghallaigh
    Favourite Dáithí Ó Raghallaigh
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 7:17 PM

    @Skinnerbot: you want to live in cuckoo land , off with you.

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ich bin brendan
    Favourite Ich bin brendan
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 7:19 PM

    @Paul: Paul you’re disgusting.. hope no one close to you ends up in that situation, record numbers of kids homeless and all you can spin is complete bull

    35
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kerry Blake
    Favourite Kerry Blake
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 7:32 PM

    @Paul: ” yeah and I expect a lot never worked a day in their lives, this been the problem.” you are aware before the crash in 2008 we were at was known as “full employment” So basically those you are looking down at now were working and paying their taxes. So do you not think they should be entitled to state support now?

    30
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave Doyle
    Favourite Dave Doyle
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 7:36 PM

    @Paul: As opposed to a fraperoomer who can’t see the truth of what neoliberal policies are doing to the country.

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul P O'Sullivan
    Favourite Paul P O'Sullivan
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 7:54 PM

    @Kerry Blake: and its predicted that within 2 years we will be at full employment again. Do you think that will be the end of the homeless using your logic?

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute bings
    Favourite bings
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 7:59 PM

    @Paul: Not only have they never worked but will never work. There are thousands of irish & refugees who know more about the welfare system than the people working in the offices.

    53
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Suzie Sunshine
    Favourite Suzie Sunshine
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 8:26 PM

    @bings: but the bleeding hearts will tell you that every case is genuine. ..

    36
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kerry Blake
    Favourite Kerry Blake
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 8:33 PM

    @Paul P O’Sullivan: I’m not doing logic Paul I’m just stating facts what bit of what I said before do you not understand?

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute decky smith
    Favourite decky smith
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 9:10 PM

    @Paul: would you prefer they slept on the street if they haven’t a job

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute MyBrokenKnees
    Favourite MyBrokenKnees
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 6:14 PM

    How many of those families were offered houses elsewhere in the County or Country but refused them as they were not where they wanted their free house to be I wonder?

    234
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Acedeuce
    Favourite Acedeuce
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 7:06 PM

    @MyBrokenKnees: some people can’t move to just anywhere in the country that… Its as simple as that

    30
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mary Murphy
    Favourite Mary Murphy
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 7:10 PM

    @MyBrokenKnees: Exactly. Can we have a break down please on the real homeless and those who have never contributed to state coffers but claim everything including the right to live beside me Ma?? Can you also include the numbers of those who refused to be rehomed because it’s not beside me Ma and where they are now on the homeless list? Great thanks.

    139
    See 15 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave Doyle
    Favourite Dave Doyle
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 7:12 PM

    @Mary Murphy: A homeless article and the fraperoom are all over it like a rash.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ich bin brendan
    Favourite Ich bin brendan
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 7:30 PM

    @Mary Murphy: here’s a fact for you, record numbers of homeless in 2017, blame immigrants, blame the unemployed. Personally, it’s the government that are in charge of the hard earned tax money we contribute too, they are supposed to be running this country. You and me didn’t decide immigration policy or the fact our country owes a debt we’ll never see the end of. It’s failure of government!

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute bings
    Favourite bings
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 8:03 PM

    @Acedeuce: Why not move if they don’t work Does it really matter where you live if your on welfare & have no interest in working. There is a town in Letrim looking for families to move there or the local school will close.

    https://www.google.ie/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiazfWGor7VAhULElAKHTefCOoQtwIIKDAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.independent.ie%2Fvideos%2Firish-news%2Fvideo-this-village-has-launched-a-campaign-to-attract-more-families-to-move-there-35999534.html&usg=AFQjCNE8PGPg3TKPmd55OWc0yyYIQ-z6Xw

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Suzie Sunshine
    Favourite Suzie Sunshine
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 8:31 PM

    @Dave Doyle: will you give over ! Is everyone supposed to have the same opinion as you ? There’s a lot of people out there who are sick and tired of these ‘lifers’ who have contributed nothing yet get the most .. how many of those families in hotels have refused a house already ? Seriously. Give over with your fraperoom ..

    57
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave Doyle
    Favourite Dave Doyle
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 8:48 PM

    @Suzie Sunshine: No i won’t Suzie. I’ll call all those who blame the poor on being poor, the homeless on being homeless, the unemployed on being unemployed what they are. Supporters of the neoliberal policies that caused these social problems in the first place. Where do we find supporters of neoliberalism? In the fraperoom. Simple as that.
    I’m sick of listening to people blame the victims of neoliberalism on causing their own problems.

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave Doyle
    Favourite Dave Doyle
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 8:56 PM

    @Suzie Sunshine: Suzie, are you aware that in Co.Offaly there are 200 families that depend on food handouts so they and their children don’t starve. That number is increasing daily. Some of these people are nurses, some are members of the PDF. All with one thing in common. In paying off mortgages or rent they have no money left to feed themselves or their families.

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mary Murphy
    Favourite Mary Murphy
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 9:08 PM

    @Ich bin brendan: We certainly didn’t have any say in immigration but we have a certain lot here already who think the taxpayer is responsible for all their living choices too. But none of them are prepared to meet the taxpayer half wat. Ohh no they must get THEIR wishes granted and to hell with me and everyone else who pays for their choices. And by the way with their selfish attitudes it means everybody suffers incl real homeless and the taxpayer

    28
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mary Murphy
    Favourite Mary Murphy
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 9:09 PM

    @Suzie Sunshine: Thank you Suzie. Plainly put for Dave

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Suzie Sunshine
    Favourite Suzie Sunshine
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 9:43 PM

    @Dave Doyle: but they’re not the ones I’m talking about and you know that . The ones you speak about .. i.e. people who are working and are struggling with rent and mortgages are struggling and need help and I’ve no issue with help going to them ..

    26
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Suzie Sunshine
    Favourite Suzie Sunshine
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 9:47 PM

    @Dave Doyle: what’s your views on thisr who will never work because they will lose too much social welfare and the benefits that come with it ? And don’t go saying it doesn’t happen now …

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Suzie Sunshine
    Favourite Suzie Sunshine
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 10:40 PM

    @Mary Murphy: apologies .. didn’t see your comment until after I posted mine . You had it covered ..Lol

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kerry Blake
    Favourite Kerry Blake
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 10:44 PM

    @Suzie Sunshine: Those would be the ones you call “lifers” regardless when the got into difficulties??

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Andy Dwyer
    Favourite Andy Dwyer
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 11:04 PM

    @Dave Doyle: Your arguments are laughable. Anybody who disagrees with you is a neoliberal government hack! You never provide any feasible argument or alternative. Socialism does not work. Handouts for all the workshy puts an uneven burden on hardworking average people like the nurses you mention. That’s all anybody on here is arguing. I don’t think Suzie has any issue with people who are trying and struggling. But all you will do is point the finger at the government no matter what policy they push.

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Suzie Sunshine
    Favourite Suzie Sunshine
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 11:08 PM

    @Kerry Blake: not its not .. You know full well what “lifers ” mean..

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute paul smith
    Favourite paul smith
    Report
    Aug 5th 2017, 5:40 AM

    @Acedeuce: I would also suggest there are many councils around the country are not doing their fair share to accommodate homeless i think Wicklow is has a tough stance on this,
    The problem must be tackled nationally restrict funding to councils who do not abide

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Andy Dwyer
    Favourite Andy Dwyer
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 6:18 PM

    What’s the reality of the homeless crisis? How many are just playing the system until they get a free house for life? I have a lot of sympathy for the people who have been trying their best and contributed to society but have just fallen on hard times. Others who have and will never contribute to the country should not be entitled to a house in their preferred location.

    188
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean Callan
    Favourite Sean Callan
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 6:01 PM

    @ Paul.. How many TDs in Dail Eireann are Landlords??

    77
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fank Pulman
    Favourite Fank Pulman
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 6:05 PM

    @Sean Callan: How many are Catholics!?

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul
    Favourite Paul
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 6:29 PM

    @Sean Callan: your point??

    27
    See 5 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave Doyle
    Favourite Dave Doyle
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 6:58 PM

    @Paul: Vested interest, that’s the point.

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Con Murphy
    Favourite Con Murphy
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 7:09 PM

    @Paul:
    Fairly obvious Paul if you open your mind.

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul
    Favourite Paul
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 7:12 PM

    @Dave Doyle: if TDs were going around hiking rents the media would be all over it.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Unitedpeople
    Favourite Unitedpeople
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 7:16 PM

    @Sean Callan: its on record that one third of FG elected is landlords for a start.

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean Callan
    Favourite Sean Callan
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 9:17 PM

    @Paul: We have 70 or so members of present Dail with property interests..
    We have a housing crisis…. work it out..

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Setrakian
    Favourite Setrakian
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 5:53 PM

    What’s the best families will end up living in ‘hubs’ for a lot longer than planned. This government are great at telling us their plans but so far have delivered very little to change the situation on the homeless crisis. I hope they are enjoying their ten week holiday but they may struggle without their free bar – the poor pets!

    56
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pat Butler
    Favourite Pat Butler
    Report
    Aug 5th 2017, 12:36 AM

    @Setrakian: the hubs are an awful idea. The social implications will be disastrous

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Con Murphy
    Favourite Con Murphy
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 7:07 PM

    All part of the govt’s divide and conquer strategy. Set Irish people against each other and their rich friends will prosper,at the expense of the lower orders. The housing shortage is designed to drive up rents and house prices for the property holding stakeholders in our society. FG’s plan is working a dream for their followers, while Irish children suffer. The new housing Tzar is no different to all the others over the last two govts who also successfully managed the property recovery for FGs friends.
    Shame on all who comment here in support of the Govt’s policy of Child Abuse.

    55
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dáithí Ó Raghallaigh
    Favourite Dáithí Ó Raghallaigh
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 5:53 PM

    There is a housing estate near me owned by a charity and they have two idle houses, there idle because the council provided a short list of people on the council list and the charity is a bit slow about interviewing the people on that list, No hurry at all.

    42
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fank Pulman
    Favourite Fank Pulman
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 6:00 PM

    @Dáithí Ó Raghallaigh: Only two empty houses? Maybe they’re (*) doing fairly well – and you don’t know all the facts!

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Radburn
    Favourite Paul Radburn
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 7:19 PM

    But sure keep pumping the money into the junkies god love them.

    44
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kerry Blake
    Favourite Kerry Blake
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 7:36 PM

    @Paul Radburn: So you are suggesting the 2,800 children who are homeless are junkies…….

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Radburn
    Favourite Paul Radburn
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 8:47 PM

    @Kerry Blake: no, I’m saying the money that’s wasted on junkies should be used to help these children.

    30
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kerry Blake
    Favourite Kerry Blake
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 10:19 PM

    @Paul Radburn: So all those adults who are now homeless are junkies? Not sure what part of reality your in but Paul you should always remember you are one or two payments away from joining them……..

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Anthony Gallagher
    Favourite Anthony Gallagher
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 7:02 PM

    Move them all to leitrim ,its needs reawakened .

    44
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kerrie Roche
    Favourite Kerrie Roche
    Report
    Aug 5th 2017, 12:47 AM

    Was in a conversation with a person, who works but not full time, and she was ” going homeless” to get a council house , is living with her mum in her council house for last few years but now wants her own forever home .

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dennis Donnelly
    Favourite Dennis Donnelly
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 7:36 PM

    Why are you showing a picture of a professional beggar hiding under a sleeping bag to promote this story. I have seen then do this set up at mention square

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rui Firmino
    Favourite Rui Firmino
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 11:40 PM

    If you ever feel like you have too much faith in humanity reading the comments on here will sort that out.

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dennis Donnelly
    Favourite Dennis Donnelly
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 7:38 PM

    Should have read merrion square

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kerry Blake
    Favourite Kerry Blake
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 8:38 PM

    @Dennis Donnelly: It’s “them” amd “Merrion” square……….

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dennis Donnelly
    Favourite Dennis Donnelly
    Report
    Aug 5th 2017, 5:04 PM

    @Kerry Blake: thank you

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Geralyn Early
    Favourite Geralyn Early
    Report
    Aug 5th 2017, 11:30 AM

    There is something seriously wrong with the world when having a decent place to call home, be it renting or purchasing, is only possible if you are earning astronomical money. The property market in Dublin is toxic and not conducive family and community life.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute P.J. Nolan
    Favourite P.J. Nolan
    Report
    Aug 5th 2017, 12:06 PM

    @Geralyn Early:
    Is Dublin the only property market in Ireland?

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ms Wilde
    Favourite Ms Wilde
    Report
    Aug 4th 2017, 10:54 PM

    The link into the report doesn’t work

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds