Just 175 social homes were built by the four Dublin local authorities last year
It is a shocking indictment of the government’s failed housing policy that child homelessness has increased by 30pc in the past year, according to Social Democrats Housing Spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan.
“Figures released by the Department of Housing today show that homelessness has increased by over 22pc in the past year – while child homelessness is up by 30pc during the same period. These figures are a shocking indictment of the government’s failed housing policy.
“There are now 9,825 people living in emergency accommodation, up from 8,060 just 12 months ago. Meanwhile, 2,811 children are living in energy accommodation, up from 2,166 one year ago.
“The government has previously stated its commitment to eradicating homelessness. How can anyone take a commitment like that seriously when child homelessness has increased by nearly one-third in just the past year alone?
“This crisis is a direct result of the government’s failure to build homes for those in need. A report released by Housing Policy Analyst Lorcan Sirr today revealed that just 175 social homes were built by the four Dublin local authorities last year, with a build rate of a pathetic zero by Fingal in 2021 and just two by South Dublin County Council.
“The failure by the government to deliver on their promise that 9,000 social homes would be directly delivered in 2021 is causing huge hardship and trauma for people who are left with no option but to live in emergency accommodation.”
“Most people who are living in emergency accommodation had their last stable home in the private rented sector. The government must urgently introduce a ban on any rent increases and remove no fault evictions.”
29 April, 2022
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