Kilkenny homeless figures revealed amid mental health concerns as 'crisis continues'

There were 44 adults accessing emergency accommodation in Kilkenny during the week of February 17-23 (2025), according to the latest homelessness report from the Department of Housing.

Although this figure was down ever-so-minimally compared to January's figure for Kilkenny of 45, homeless numbers on a national level continue to climb.

The latest report reveals that national homelessness figures hit 15,378 in February 2025 (including 2,183 families, 4,653 children).

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The Salvation Army, who provide approximately 250,000 bed nights per year in its six individual and family homeless centres across Dublin, have expressed their concern over the national crisis, which currently shows no sign of abating.

"While this impasse is continuing, these children are spending their days and nights in emergency accommodation," said Erene Williamson, The Salvation Army’s Homeless Services Ireland Lead.

"Our residents, including those at Ireland’s largest family hub, Houben House, a facility which is full to capacity, have been observing this with a growing sense of disbelief and frustration.

"They are being told that homelessness is the country’s number one priority, yet our service users feel nothing is being done to help them take that vital next step towards independent living."

Also concerned are Depaul, a leading charity that provides low threshold, specialist services for those experiencing homelessness.

"When we reflect on these latest numbers we are once again reminded that behind these numbers are men, women and children living with the uncertainty that comes from experiencing homelessness," explained David Carroll, Chief Executive of Depaul.

"Furthermore, we believe the picture is further complicated when we consider what they are enduring and suffering in terms of the toll this is taking on their mental health and that of the children affected.

"When we look at the findings of research we recently unveiled (Breaking the cycle: Addressing mental health and homelessness through integrated care) - that saw one in two of Depaul’s homeless services users reporting issues of depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation - it is highly likely that thousands of those being reported as homeless today are also suffering the effects of poor mental health. 

"Homelessness and mental health difficulties are deeply intertwined, and without immediate policy reforms, the mental health crisis among people experiencing homelessness will escalate.

"It is for this reason that we continue to advocate for the Government to deliver on critical investment in wraparound support services including for those with mental health and addiction issues and improved direct specialised support to those in temporary accommodation.

"Housing is the most basic and fundamental need yet a large number of people in this country do not have a secure, affordable, decent place to call home."

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The Good Shepherd Centre, who provide services to women, men and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Kilkenny and surrounding areas, has taken to the streets in recent months to highlight the deepening housing crisis, warning that quick-fix solutions like log cabins are not the answer.

"We are marching because homelessness is at a record high, and the crisis is only getting worse," said Noel Sherry, CEO of the Good Shepherd Centre.

"People need real homes, not makeshift structures. A bed in a shed is not a home, and we cannot allow this to become the norm. We are here to show solidarity with those affected and to demand urgent action."

The Good Shepherd Centre, along with its sister agency Tar Isteach Housing, operates across Kilkenny, Carlow, Laois, Tipperary, Wexford, Offaly, Westmeath, and Longford.

The organisation warns that delays in decision-making and funding allocations are stalling essential social housing projects, leaving thousands in limbo.

"People deserve secure, sustainable housing – not temporary solutions that don’t address the root of the problem. We are marching to remind those in power that action is needed now," said Noel Sherry.

"Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), which play a vital role in providing social and affordable housing, are unable to progress new developments due to ongoing funding delays.

"This situation is also damaging relationships between developers and AHBs, as financial commitments are not being honoured in a timely manner."

The Good Shepherd Centre is calling on Minister for Housing James Browne to take swift and decisive action to end the deadlock.

The organisation stresses the need for a multi-annual funding model to ensure housing projects can proceed without political roadblocks and bureaucratic delays.

NOTE: Despite being a worthwhile indicator of homelessness levels, the Department of Housing’s monthly homelessness reports do not reflect the full extent of local and national homelessness.

This is because government homeless statistics relate only to people provided with emergency accommodation by local authorities.

They do not include people frequently described as the ‘hidden homeless’ that may be sleeping rough, living in refuges, or staying with parents, relatives and friends in overcrowded conditions.

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