Sinn Féin housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin has called for an emergency response to rising homelessness.

His call was made as the Department of Housing’s monthly homeless report published today showed another increase in the number of people in emergency accommodation in March.

Teachta Ó Broin said:

“The March homeless report shows yet another grim record reached by this government. The total number of people in Department of Housing-funded emergency accommodation has increased again.

“While the figures show a marginal drop in the numbers of families in emergency accommodation, the overall increase is being driven by a rise in the number of single people experiencing homelessness.

“This week, the Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien claimed that progress was being made in tackling the government’s housing crisis.

“Yet within days of his so-called progress report, the CSO has reported significant falls in new home completions and the Department of Housing have reported yet another increase in homelessness.

“This government is neither interested nor capable of addressing the housing and homelessness crisis. We need an emergency response and that will only come with a change of government.”

Cllr Doolan, Sinn Féin Leader on Dublin City Council and European election candidate for Dublin, added:

“I am particularly concerned by the rise in homelessness among adults in Dublin, up 65 from February to March.

“Emergency accommodation is at breaking point in the capital and social housing delivery is still way behind what is needed.

“Our councils need increased funding and targets for the delivery of social and affordable housing. Without that, this homeless crisis will continue to get worse.”