Councils urged to prioritize long-term homeless families with children for housing

Local authorities are being urged to prioritize long-term homeless families with children for social housing. This initiative aligns with the Government’s broader strategy to reduce the number of children living in emergency accommodations. Senior officials believe that addressing child homelessness will significantly impact public perceptions of the Government’s handling of the housing crisis.

Government Focus on Child Homelessness

The shift in focus to child homelessness highlights an increasing number of individuals from outside the Republic of Ireland contributing to the homeless population. The landmark housing plan, titled “Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030,” emphasizes this growing concern.

Data Collection and Understanding Trends

• The report specifies that “more than half” of the households in emergency accommodation in Dublin are from outside Ireland.
• The Department of Housing is collaborating with local authorities to gather data and understand the factors leading to this trend.

Future Plans for Social Housing

The Government’s housing plan includes provisions for examining local authorities’ social housing schemes starting in 2026. These assessments aim to ensure that the needs of homeless families, especially those with children, are being adequately addressed.

Allocation of Social Housing

Tánaiste Simon Harris has expressed concerns about how social housing has been allocated historically. He emphasizes the need to prioritize families and children under the new plan. Furthermore, a recent report revealed that single adults made up a significant portion of the social housing waiting list, increasing from 57.4% in 2023 to 60.8% in 2024.

Addressing Child Homelessness

Advocacy organizations, such as Focus Ireland, have called for focused action on child homelessness within the broader housing crisis. Key issues, including nutrition and education for homeless children, will be incorporated into the new child and family homelessness plan.

Action Plan Objectives

• Prevent children from becoming homeless.
• Reduce the duration of homelessness for families with children.
• Provide additional support for parents and expectant mothers facing homelessness.

Commitment to Children’s Best Interests

The Government is also moving towards legislation that ensures the best interests of children are considered in decisions regarding accommodation for homeless households. The Ombudsman for Children, Dr. Niall Muldoon, has advocated for rapid access to case managers and child-support services for families entering emergency accommodations.

This coordinated approach signals a commitment to addressing child homelessness as an essential aspect of the housing crisis, prioritizing long-term solutions for vulnerable families across the nation.