Government homelessness spending set to exceed €2.4bn this decade

The Government’s expenditure on homelessness is projected to surpass €2.4 billion for the ten‑year period to 2025, new figures show.

Between 2020 and 2025 the Department of Housing has spent nearly €1.89 billion on homelessness supports. An additional €513 million allocated for 2026 will bring total spending over the last six years to over €2.4 billion.

In August a record 17,885 people accessed emergency accommodation, including 5,830 children. Data released to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne indicate that only 6 % of the 2025 budget was directed to homelessness prevention.

Criticism of funding allocation

Hearne criticised the focus on short‑term accommodation, saying the Government is “pouring money” into for‑profit providers rather than preventing evictions, expanding tenant‑in‑situ purchase schemes or building social housing. He called for an immediate ban on evictions leading to homelessness and a Finnish‑style prevention approach.

Ber Grogan, chief executive of the Simon Communities of Ireland, echoed concerns, describing the reliance on private emergency accommodation as “a waste of taxpayer money” and “morally… a disgrace”. She noted €543 million has been earmarked for homelessness services in 2027, but the split between charity and for‑profit operators remains unclear.

Housing Minister James Browne responded that the department funds housing authorities, not emergency accommodation directly, and that service types are decided by the consultative forum’s management group.

Last year Dublin received the highest spend, almost €319 million, while the South West region (Cork and Kerry) received nearly €43.5 million. Updated figures for September are due to be published on Friday.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Jan van der Wolf / Pexels.