Dublin Regional Homeless Executive has today released the latest homeless figures for the Dublin area. The total number of individuals homeless in Dublin has reached a record 10,396. This is a massive jump of 1,131 from this time last year.

Commenting on the increase, Sinn Féin group leader on Dublin City Council, Cllr. Daithí Doolan, said:

“Today’s homeless figures are shocking. There are now a record 10,396 people homeless in Dublin today. This is a massive increase of 1,131 from this time last year. Today’s report confirms that there are now 3,285 children without a home in Dublin. The minister is condemning a whole new generation to the trauma of homelessness. This is as unacceptable as it is avoidable. The minister’s failed housing policies has created this housing crisis. A radical change of policy is the only solution.

“These homeless figures are only the tip of the ice berg. Behind these figures are thousands more people sleeping on sofas or friend’s floors. All without homes. In fact this Fianna Fail-Fine Gael government would easily win the gold medal for homelessness under every category. The number of homeless families, children and adults are all spiraling out of control. This is set to continue as long as this government remains in place.

“We need a change of government to resolve the ongoing housing crisis. We urgently need a government who works with local authorities to build council and really affordable housing. The total dependency on the private sector only contribute to the crisis. Landlords and developers continue to profit from the misery of homelessness.

“We need a radical new approach to housing. Sinn Fein has promised that in Government we will oversee the largest council building programme in the history of the state. We will build thousands of council and really affordable homes to meet the need of people not developers or landlords. This is what is needed. This is what we will do.”