Number of homeless children in Ireland exceeds 3,000 for first time

The number of children currently homeless in Ireland has exceeded 3,000 for the first time ever.

New figures have shown that the number of children living in emergency accommodation has risen from 2,973 to 3,048 in the month of August. The number of adults currently homeless has also increased from 5,187 to 5,222. This increase took place over the course of one month. Pay Doyle, CEO of homeless charity the Peter McVerry Trust, has called on the government to address this dire issue in next year's budget. “We need to see continued action from Government to deal with the rising cost of rents and housing," he said.

“Peter McVerry Trust, and other charities in the sector are facing an extremely challenging situation to provide enough emergency accommodation, and we, therefore, recognise the immense challenge that exists in providing an adequate level of housing solutions.”

Homeless children are not only negatively affected by there situations in relation to their living situation, but also in terms of their education and their ability to make friends. Research conducted by Focus Ireland has shown that homeless children in Ireland face bullying and concentration problems in school. They are also more likely to develop anxiety and depression related issues due to their situation.