Homelessness rises again as Government slashes funding for vital homeless prevention schemes – Eoin Ó Broin TD

Sinn Féin spokesperson for housing, Eoin Ó Broin TD, has called on the Government “to reverse the funding cuts for vital homeless prevention housing schemes”.  The Dublin Mid-West TD made the call as the latest homeless figures show yet another increase in the number of adults and children in emergency accommodation.

Teachta Ó Broin said:

“Today’s report from the Department of Housing shows yet another record increase in the number of adults and children in emergency accommodation.  In March there were 15,418 people including 4,675 children in Department of Housing funded emergency accommodation.  Last month saw increases in adult, child, family and pension homelessness.

“It is completely unacceptable that as homelessness rises yet again, the Government are slashing funding for vital homeless prevention schemes including the tenant-in-situ scheme and the housing first programme.

“In an initial analysis published by Sinn Féin today it shows that funding cuts ranging from 35% to 100% have been imposed on Local Authority social housing acquisition funds.  These funding cuts will result in fewer acquisitions in 2025.  As a result, more people will become homeless, and more people will remain trapped in emergency accommodation for longer periods of time.

“Minister Browne must reverse these cuts immediately and lift the severe restrictions on the operation of the tenant-in-situ scheme.

“Failure to do this will result in further month on month increases in homelessness.  And if that happens, it will be the direct responsibility of Minister Browne as the person who signed off on the cuts.”