Homeless figures reach new high in Cork and nationwide

Figures for those seeking emergency accommodation in Cork have reached a new high with the number of adults and children recorded as homeless up significantly, according to data published by the Department of Housing and Local Government yesterday.

Figures for October show there were 562 adults seeking emergency accommodation in Cork, up from the figure of 549 for September.

The number of children recorded as homeless across Cork and Kerry combined is also up, increasing by 24 to 207 on the September figure of 183.

Nationally, 14,966 people were described as homeless, comprising 10,321 adults and 4,645 children — the highest ever in both metrics.

The figure for the number of adults described as homeless in Cork has been above 500 consistently since October of 2022.

The latest figures were described as a “scandal” by Cork North Central Sinn Féin TD, Thomas Gould.

“In just one month, child homelessness in Cork and Kerry has increased by 21%,” he said.

“That is after four years of Fianna Fáil in charge of housing. Micheál Martin’s message to the adults and children facing eviction and homelessness is that he hopes the figures will drop in the next 12 months. They’ve had a decade.”

In a pre-election interview, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said he could not guarantee when homeless figures would peak, but added that he would like to see a reduction “within 12 months”.

He added that homelessness is the number one priority for his party.

Volunteer co-ordinator with Cork Penny Dinners Caitríona Twomey said: “Whatever government is elected must take decisive action.

“We need more affordable housing options, more social housing and the restoration of derelict properties to ensure everyone has a safe place to stay.”