The number of adults spending more than six months in emergency accommodation in the county increased significantly between 2023 and 2024

Nearly two-thirds of homeless adults remain in emergency accommodation for more than six months.

According to the latest National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC) Performance Indicator Report, 67.4pc of homeless adults in Mayo were classed as long-term homeless as of 31 December 2024.

This figure is significantly higher than the 59.4pc average, placing Mayo fourth highest nationwide, behind Leitrim with 70.6pc, Offaly with 69.4pc and Kilkenny with 68.9pc.

Between 2023 and 2024, Mayo saw a sharp increase in its long-term homelessness figures.

The NOAC report for 2023 stated that 52.2pc of homeless adults in the county were classed as long-term, placing Mayo 13th highest nationwide for that year.

Over the next 12 months, the figure had increased by 29.1pc.

This jump not only reflects a growing population of homelessness in Mayo, but it also highlights the increasing difficulty in moving adults into permanent housing solutions.

In December 2024, the Department of Housing’s Monthly Homelessness report showed there were 138 adults in Mayo accessing emergency accommodation.

The latest report released by the department for August 2025 showed that this number has increased to 170 people.

While cities such as Limerick and Cork continue to report some of the highest numbers of homeless adults overall, the statistics show that in Mayo, those who become homeless are more likely to be classed as homeless for longer periods of time.

Nationally, the number of homeless adults in emergency accommodation had risen to 10,444 at the end of 2024, a 13pc increase compared to 2023.

As well, the number of adults in emergency accommodation who are are classed as long-term homeless increased by 3.2pc.

Across Ireland, 15 local authorities reported an increase in the number of long-terms homeless adults.

Mayo’s figures underline that while the housing crisis often makes headlines in Dublin, the challenges in rural counties can be just as acute, particularly when homelessness becomes long-term and alternative options are limited.

This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.