The number of single adults experiencing homelessness in the southwest has risen by almost two-thirds in three years, writes Amy Campbell, while homelessness among all adults rose by just over half

The figure of 716 is the second-highest total ever, and is one of only three times that the figure has been above 700 in Cork.

A €50m funding allocation nationally will be used to acquire approximately 135 homes. However, figures show Cork received far less funding than many other Irish cities.

Aoife Farrell, Cork project leader with Barnardos, said they are seeing more and more people in need of their services.

Cork North Central TD Colm Burke has expressed concerns for the proposal as the owner of the premises identified for the facility may not wait indefinitely for the HSE to purchase the building.

Cork Simon says people sleeping on floors in their shelters or in 'any available space where someone can bed down for the night'.