Kildare Sees Increase In Homelessness Amid National Surge

Friday, 25 October 2024 14:39

By Martin Osborne

Some 141 adults have been registered homeless in Kildare - up from 132 last month.

14,760 people were registered as homeless in September - including more than 4,500 children.

It is yet another record for the number of people in emergency accommodation.

The total is 15 per cent higher than September 2023, with figures showing the rate of increase is rising again.

Some 141 adults have been registered homeless in Kildare - up from 132 last month.

In Meath, the figure stands at 305 - up from 294 on last month.

In Wicklow, it's 72 - unchanged on last month's figures.

David Carroll, Chief Executive of Depaul, said: “The obvious truth is the housing market is not working for those most vulnerable, and particular cohorts such as single and young people are particularly disadvantaged.”

“The coming election must give hope to those more than 14,760 people languishing in temporary accommodation, many who have been there for over a year or more and there is no coherent housing plan for those in Direct provision who have permission to remain in Ireland.”

“We have a generational opportunity to utilise the power of the state to create a more cohesive society. We eagerly await confirmation of how Apple’s €13 billion tax payment could be spent on infrastructure and housing. In the meantime any new government must gather a strong response to this crisis.”

“Housing is the most basic and fundamental need yet a large number of people in this country do not have a secure, affordable, decent place to call home. Something has to change.”