Over 17,000 people in emergency accommodation in June, including 5,620 children

Kenneth Fox

A total of 17,482 men, women and children were living in emergency accommodation in June 2026, which is an increase of 37 children since May.

This includes 5,620 children who are spending their summer in emergency accommodation, according to the latest figures from the Department of Housing.

Over the 12 months since June 2025, the data reveals an increase of 1,567 (9.8 per cent) in emergency accommodation:

2,706 were families, marking a 17 per cent (386) increase over the year

5,620 were children, showing a 13 per cent (662) rise in the same period

2,073 were 18-24-year-olds, marking a 10 per cent (180) increase over the year

285 were over 65-year-olds, marking a 14 per cent (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."

Gorgan said Budget 2027 decisions are being made right now, and they are urging the Government to ensure that all relevant Departments will be ringfencing funding for preventing the trauma of homelessness.