31st July 2026
-
2,706 were families, marking a 17% (386) increase over the year
-
5,620 were children, showing a 13% (662) rise in the same period
-
2,073 were 18-24-year-olds, marking a 10% (180) increase over the year
-
285 were over 65-year-olds, marking a 14% (14) increase over the year
Ber Grogan, Executive Director of the Simon Communities of Ireland, said:
It is unacceptable that 5,620 children are spending their summer holidays, and essentially growing up, in emergency accommodation. Behind every one of these figures is a child whose education, wellbeing and future are being affected by the trauma and uncertainty of homelessness.
For most children, the summer holidays are a time for playing outdoors and making happy memories with family and friends. But for thousands of children experiencing homelessness, summer means another day in a hotel room or family hub, often sharing a single room with their family and with little space to play, learn or simply be children.
Summer can also bring additional pressures for families experiencing homelessness. Without the structure of the school day, many parents face increased childcare costs while also losing access to school meals, putting even greater strain on already stretched household budgets.Budget 2027 decisions are being made right now. We are urging the Government to ensure that all relevant Departments will be ringfencing funding for preventing the trauma of homelessness. These 17,482 people need actions, not empty words.Preventing homelessness must remain a national priority. Every month of delay means more children spending another night, and another summer, without a place to call home.
ENDS
For further information contact Aileen Gaskin 086 166 2160 / communications@simoncommunity.com
