Homelessness Crisis: Outgoing Government’s record is a national disgrace says Tipperary TD
‘We need real solutions, not empty promises’ said Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath
Since the last general election in February 2020, there has been a significant increase in homelessness in Ireland. The number of people living in emergency accommodation has risen by 41% from February 2020 to September 2024.
The latest figures show a record high of 14,760 people in emergency accommodation, including 10,199 adults and 4,561 children. “This is a national emergency that demands immediate action. We cannot allow these numbers to keep rising while families suffer,” said Tipperary South Independent Election Candidate, Mattie McGrath.
“The increase in homelessness can be attributed to several factors:
- Lack of affordable housing
- Rising rents in the private rental sector
- Insufficient social housing supply; and,
- Increase in evictions since pandemic-related protections were lifted.”
“I believe that there are solutions that will end homelessness, and we need politicians to commit and work towards ending homelessness.”
Fianna Fáil’s Broken Promises:
“Before the last general election, Fianna Fáil promised to deliver 50,000 affordable homes for purchase at below €250,000 and 50,000 social homes by 2025. None of these promises were delivered. Now, the same party, along with Fine Gael, is back promising more but will ultimately fail to deliver. The reality has fallen far short of these commitments. The outgoing government’s failure to meet these targets has contributed significantly to the current homelessness crisis.”
Mattie McGrath’s Five-Point Plan to Address Homelessness:
Build Enough Homes:
Ensure that over 60,000 homes are constructed each year – from 2026 - to meet housing needs across Irish society, including at least 15,000 new social homes per annum. Ease planning bottlenecks, support rural planning for one-off houses and provide grants of €20,000 for all first-time home builders.
Build the Right Homes in the Right Places:
Ensure that the homes built meet the needs of real households. Fix the problem that no homes are being built for smaller households (who make up most of the people who need homes) and large families (who are trapped in homelessness the longest).
End Long-Term Homelessness by 2028:
Set the goal of making sure no one is homeless for longer than six months by the end of the next government term (2030).
Set Clear Milestones for 2030:
Establish specific, measurable milestones for what can be achieved each year to 2030 to ensure accountability and progress.
Improve Standards for Those Experiencing Homelessness:
Commit to enhancing living conditions for individuals and families while they remain homeless. This includes strategies for tackling family homelessness and youth homelessness and legislation that prioritizes the best interests of children in local authority responses to homelessness.
“Homelessness is not just a statistic; it is a human tragedy. We must act now to provide real solutions and restore dignity to those affected,” concluded Deputy McGrath.