Record homelessness figures expose government failure

Record homelessness figures expose government failure

• Over 10,000 people homeless in Dublin.
• 4,170 children endure the trauma of homelessness.

Labour Leader and Housing Spokesperson Ivana Bacik TD was speaking following publication of the homeless figures for February 2024 which reveal another record high of 13,841 homeless people, with the number in Dublin surpassing 10,000 for the first time.

Deputy Bacik said,

"These staggering figures are not just statistics; they represent real lives devastated by government inaction. It is an utter disgrace that in a country as wealthy as ours, thousands of our citizens, including over 4,000 children, are left without a place to call home. This is a national scandal that demands urgent attention and decisive action.

"It is abundantly clear that this government's approach to housing has been an unmitigated failure. Their reliance on the private sector and piecemeal solutions like tax breaks have only served to worsen the crisis. Meanwhile, ministers preoccupied with internal politics have neglected their duties to govern effectively.

"These figures only scratch the surface of the housing crisis. Many more individuals and families face precarious living situations due to exorbitant rents, inadequate tenant protections, and the trauma of domestic violence. The true scale of the problem is far greater than what these statistics reveal.

"We in Labour have a clear vision for housing that prioritises the needs of our people over the profits of developers. We call for the immediate passage of the Renters' Rights Bill and the adoption of policies to build or renovate 100,000 homes annually. This means ramping up construction, addressing vacancy and dereliction, and reducing the state's reliance on the volatile private market.

"I urge the government to abandon its complacency and take immediate action to address this crisis. We cannot afford to wait any longer while thousands suffer without homes. It is time for a renewed sense of urgency and a commitment to real solutions for all our citizens."