Depaul is calling on all stakeholders and the new government to work together to take "radical action" as homelessness numbers hit a record high of 15,286 in January 2025, up from 14,864 in December 2024.
This included 2,164 families and 4,603 children accessing local authority managed emergency accommodation.
Depaul chief executive, David Carroll, said the homeless charity is asking that the new government develops a detailed five-year plan to support the intentions outlined in the Programme for Government.
This includes the commitment to ensure that those in long-term homelessness will benefit from the increased supply of social housing.
"We want to see these homeless numbers dropping over 2025 – and are working every day to ensure the men, women, and children behind these numbers who are living in crisis without a home are not forgotten or overlooked," he said.
“We also need the new Government to deliver on critical investment in wraparound support services including for those with mental health and addiction issues. 2024 was the worst year on record for homelessness – in 2025 we are going to continue to work with all stakeholders to try to move the needle on this crisis - housing is the most basic and fundamental need yet a large number of people in this country do not have a secure, affordable, decent place to call home.
"At Depaul our mission is to work to change that.”
