Homelessness data
The number of people experiencing homelessness in Ireland has risen above 10,000 for the first time since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
New figures released by the Department of Housing show there were 10,049 people in emergency accommodation in April, with the figure including 1,308 families and 2,944 children.
The official figure, up 224 people on March’s total, marks the fourth consecutive month homelessness has risen in Ireland as the crisis returns to pre-pandemic levels.
Ukrainian refugees
Almost 30 per cent of Ukrainians arriving in to Ireland were aged 14 or under, new figures show.
By the end of last week, there were 33,151 Personal Public Service Numbers (PPSNs) issued to refugees fleeing war-torn Ukraine under Ireland’s Temporary Protection Directive.
Women aged 20 and over account for 48 per cent of arrivals to date, while individuals aged 0 to 19, both girls and boys, account for 38 per cent.
Lotto winner in Dublin
The shop owner who sold the winning ticket for the €3.6 million lotto jackpot has spoken of her excitement that one of her local customers is Ireland’s latest millionaire.
The National Lottery is still waiting to hear from the lucky ticket holder and is appealing for them to come forward to claim the life-changing prize.
There were celebrations at the Extramart Store in Drumcondra, Dublin on Friday. Shop owner Safida Begum said it was a “surprise” when she found out her store had sold the winning ticket.
Sunny weekend ahead
Met Éireann has advised the nation to dig out the sunscreen as the weekend brings sunshine and 20-degree weather.
Sunshine has already arrived for much of the country this Friday, with temperatures to reach as high as 19 degrees in the south today before climbing to 20 on Saturday.
However, the blast of summer weather will be short-lived as a dip in temperatures is forecast as soon as Monday.
