Homelessness rises in Louth and North East in latest figures
Rise in emergency accommodation use sparks calls for urgent action
Louth and the North East region has seen a rise in the number of people recorded as homeless, according to the latest figures released by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
217 adults accessed local authority managed emergency accommodation in the North East region, which comprises Louth, Monaghan and Cavan, during the week of 19-25 May 2025.
The figure is up from 205 in April. 189 were in Louth, up from 187 in April. 28 were recorded in total in Monaghan and Cavan, up from 18 in April.
Of the 217 adults in the North East region, 123 were male and 94 female. 36 were aged 18-24 years old; 124 aged 25-44; 50 aged 45-64; and seven aged 65 and over. 126 were Irish citizens; 35 were EEA/UK citizens; and 56 were non-EEA cotizens.
51 families with 107 children also accessed local authority managed emergency accommodation during the week of 19-25 May 2025 in the North East region. This is up from 49 families with 92 children in April.
Nationally however, 10,903 adults and 4,844 children, giving a total of 15,747 people, were recorded as homeless in April, up from 15,418 in March and yet another record high number of homeless people in the State.
Commenting on the figures Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dundalk Simon Community said:
"A housing crisis may be on the political agenda, but its most devastating consequence — homelessness — remains overlooked. I have observed over the past two weeks: from renters, fear and apprehension and for small landlords, uncertainty and hesitation.
Read Next: HIQA praises care at Dundalk’s Carroll Village but flags fire safety and governance concerns
“Institutional investors will further wait and see what a housing plan and Budget 2026 will incentivise. But for people experiencing homelessness? Nothing. No change, no relief, as yet, no pathway forward."
"In light of today's numbers, stability must be at the forefront in addressing the chaotic housing market with chronic shortages. All eyes are now focused on a housing plan and Budget 2026 as to what it will provide as incentives to kickstart a greater housing supply in a market that has plateaued.
“As the new rental rules will do little to help those stuck in emergency accommodation, the next national housing plan, due in a few weeks, must bring meaningful measures for those who are experiencing homelessness."