Left out in thecold: A review of rural homelessness in ireland In 2012 over a quarter (27%) of the population experienced two or more types of enforced deprivation. This compares to 25% in 2011 and 12% in 2007. People living in accommodation that was rented at below the market rate or rent free experienced a high deprivation rate of 51%. Those living in households with one adult and one or more children experienced a rate of 50%. Those describing themselves as unemployed also had high levels of deprivation at 49%. The deprivation rate among those NOT at ‘risk of poverty’ continued to increase in 2012 to 23% from 21% in 2011 and 19% in 2010. This shows that even people with an income above the poverty threshold are unable to afford a basic standard of living. It is important to note that poverty is experienced differently in rural areas. For example there are more opportunities to ‘shop’ around in urban areas with greater choice and more competition, transport and services. In addition, there are more chances in urban areas to take up employment opportunities and volunteering. Pobal15 commissioned a report to provide information on changes in deprivation which have occurred in each local area over the five year period of 2006-2011. The report found that although Ireland as a whole has been affected by the economic downturn, the five major urban centres were least affected with the distant commuter counties outside Dublin most affected by the economic crisis. Kildare, Meath, Wexford, Roscommon, Cavan, Laois and Offaly have experienced the most significant decline in the five year period16. 8 14 SILC is Annual Survey on Income and Living Conditions carried out by CSO 15 Pobal is a not-for-profit company and a registered charity working on behalf of Government to support communities and local agencies toward achieving social inclusion, reconciliation and equality. 16 Haase,T & Pratschke, J ‘The 2011 Pobal HP Deprivation Index for Small Areas (SA)’ August 2012
Left out in the cold: A review of rural homelessness in Ireland
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