Department of Housing reports record 18,065 in emergency accommodation
Saturday 14 November 2026
A record 18,065 people accessed emergency accommodation in September, marking the first time Ireland's total has exceeded 18,000.
A record 18,065 people accessed emergency accommodation in Ireland in September, according to delayed figures released by the Department of Housing.
The monthly total represents an increase of 180 people compared with August, marking the first time the national figure has exceeded 18,000. Homelessness counts previously surpassed 17,000 at the start of 2026. The latest breakdown confirms that 12,168 adults and 5,897 children were in emergency accommodation during the month, accounting for 2,821 family households.
Publication of the monthly data was scheduled for Friday 30 October but was postponed due to industrial action connected to a public sector pay dispute. The department stated that the delay occurred because returns were not received from all nine regional lead authorities responsible for submitting data on State-funded emergency accommodation. A departmental spokesperson confirmed the figures were issued as soon as possible once returns were finalised.
Responding to the data, Ber Grogan, executive director of the Simon Communities of Ireland, described the belated September figures as "astoundingly depressing".