Ireland’s Homeless Population Hits Record High as Waterford Reports Region’s Highest Numbers

Ireland’s homelessness crisis has worsened, with a record 15,580 people now living in emergency accommodation. That includes 10,805 adults and 4,775 children, according to the Department of Housing’s latest monthly report for April 2025.

The figures mark the highest level of homelessness ever recorded in the State. Dublin accounts for over 70% of all homeless adults (7,652), but every region is affected, including the South-East, where Waterford recorded the highest number of adults in emergency accommodation.

Waterford: Regional Hotspot

In Waterford, 120 adults were recorded as homeless — more than any other county in the South-East region. There were also 69 families in emergency accommodation locally, including 115 children. Over three-quarters of these families were headed by single parents, reflecting a national trend: 58% of all homeless families across Ireland are lone-parent households.

Who’s Affected?

Nationally:

• 65% of homeless adults are male

• Over half are aged 25–44

• 52% are Irish citizens; the remainder are from EEA/UK (21%) and non-EEA countries (27%)

Most adults (about 7,400) were housed in private emergency accommodation such as B&Bs or hotels, while others were in supported facilities like family hubs.

Some Progress, But Challenges Remain.

In the first quarter of 2025, 796 adults exited homelessness via new tenancies, and 850 people were prevented from entering emergency accommodation. However, these efforts haven’t kept pace with the rising need.

In Waterford and nationally, local authorities continue to expand services, but housing advocates warn that without more permanent homes, the numbers will likely keep rising.

The full report is available here.

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