Dublin South West TD, Seán Crowe, has said that homelessness across the State is getting worse not better.  The Sinn Féin TD was commenting after the release of official figures showed a 27% increase in 12 months.

Deputy Seán Crowe said:

“The latest homelessness figures quite clearly show that the problem of homelessness is getting steadily worse not better. In January 2017 there were 4,760 adults in emergency accommodation, yet this month there are 4,875 adults now living in emergency accommodation.  This represents an increase of 254 in three months and a 27% increase in twelve months.

“Last month I, along with many others, welcomed that there was a slight dip in child homelessness. However, this trend has reversed. There are now 2, 546 children sleeping in emergency accommodation. This is a 35% increase in child homelessness on the same period in 2016 and an increase of 157 from January this year.

“Contrary to claims Minister Simon Coveney made last month, his policies are not stemming the rising tide of people into homelessness. When questioned he keeps saying that no families would be living in hotels and Bed & Breakfasts by July this year.

“Unfortunately as the months go by it becomes even less likely that the Minister will keep his often repeated promise.  Minister Coveney clearly has a big credibility problem.

“As we come closer to the deadline and as the homeless numbers increase his credibility is fraying at the edges with less and less people believing he can deliver. Certainly many of those homeless families with children stuck in hotels or B&Bs find it hard to believe can deliver on his promises.

“The promise of so called rapid build homes promoted as a means to house families have not yet materialised and we are way behind even the Ministers projections.

“Minister Coveney needs to review his current plans and to adopt a more urgent and proactive approach. With his own deadline looming he needs to bring forward the launch of his vacant homes strategy. This will also have to contain a more ambitious, well-funded acquisitions programme.”

ENDS