The number of people in emergency accommodation in Ireland has topped 18,000, according to the latest figures. Some 12,168 adults and 5,897 children under the age of 18 were included in September, with the total rising from 17,885 in August and 17,527 in July. The monthly figures published by the Department of Housing do not account for people sleeping rough or those staying in domestic violence shelters, and the September data had been delayed by industrial action within the department.

A breakdown of the adults in emergency accommodation shows 7,098 were male and 5,070 were female. Some 50 per cent (6,088) had Irish citizenship, 31 per cent (3,820) had non-European Economic Area citizenship and 18 per cent (2,260) had EEA/UK citizenship. By age, 17.7 per cent were between 18 and 24, 51.8 per cent were aged 25-44, 28.3 per cent were 45-64 and 2.2 per cent were 65 or over.S1

The number of adult women in emergency accommodation across Ireland has now exceeded 5,000 for the second consecutive month. Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dublin Simon Community, said the figures were deeply concerning and warned against accepting these historic highs as a "new normal". She said behind each number was a woman experiencing trauma, instability and fear, including single mothers trying to keep routine and dignity alive for their children in cramped emergency settings, and many women with complex health, trauma or addiction needs for whom emergency accommodation can never be a long-term answer.S1