The number of people experiencing homelessness in Ireland increased slightly in June, rising to 17,482, according to the latest figures from the Department of Housing.

Of those recorded as homeless, 5,620 were children, the figures, published on Friday afternoon, show.

The total is up from 17,447 people recorded in May, which had represented a slight decrease compared with April.

The latest report also shows that 583 households exited homelessness during the first quarter of the year, while 651 households were prevented from entering homelessness.

Over the 12 months since June 2025, the data reveals an increase of 1,567 (9.8%) in emergency accommodation. Some 2,706 are families, a 17% (386) increase over the year, while 5,620 were children, showing a 13% (662) rise in the same period.

Ber Grogan, executive director of the Simon Communities of Ireland, said it is “unacceptable that 5,620 children are spending their summer holidays, and essentially growing up, in emergency accommodation”.

“Behind every one of these figures is a child whose education, wellbeing and future are being affected by the trauma and uncertainty of homelessness. For most children, the summer holidays are a time for playing outdoors and making happy memories with family and friends. But for thousands of children experiencing homelessness, summer means another day in a hotel room or family hub, often sharing a single room with their family and with little space to play, learn or simply be children.

“Summer can also bring additional pressures for families experiencing homelessness. Without the structure of the school day, many parents face increased childcare costs while also losing access to school meals, putting even greater strain on already stretched household budgets.”

Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dublin Simon Community, said that there are signs that homeless figures are beginning to “level off” but whether this will lead to a decline remains to be seen.

“The reality is that we are still in a situation where over 17,000 people are still stuck in emergency accommodation, without a place to call home. These people need the backing of those in power to help them overcome the injustice of homelessness. The Government must invest in the services that are known to work in preventing homelessness.

“We are aware of the immense pressures on emergency accommodation, hospitals, emergency departments and homelessness services. We also know that some of the people who need support most urgently require far more than a standard emergency accommodation response

. Usher’s Island was designed specifically to meet those complex needs. It brings healthcare, addiction treatment and residential support together in one specialist facility. Yet 25 of its 100 beds remain unavailable because the facility is not fully funded. At full capacity, the facility could save up to 36,500 inpatient hospital bed days each year through reduced admissions and improved health outcomes.”

Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan said the figures are “deeply worrying and show once again that the homelessness crisis is not easing”.

“While the small fall in May was welcome, it did not continue in June. Thousands of children are still growing up without the security and stability of a home, and that must remain the focus of urgent Government action.

“I regret to say that on the frontline our services are not seeing any easing off. Our services across the country continue to see people who are under enormous pressure, including families and individuals facing no-fault eviction or unaffordable rents. Many local authorities are saying that all their emergency beds are full, and people are being asked to wait to get a place in emergency accommodation.”