Collins calls out appalling failure of Govt as homelessness reaches new record high

Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins TD has today condemned the Government over the latest homelessness figures, which show that a new national record has been set with almost 17,000 people — including 5,321 children — now living in emergency accommodation.

Collins described the statistics as “an appalling failure and an indictment of a Government that is going backwards on the housing emergency”, warning that successive failures in housing policy are leaving families without stability, security or hope.

“More families and children are beginning 2026 without a permanent home than ever — some spending Christmas and New Year in temporary hotels or overcrowded facilities. It is utterly shameful that this Government is breaking homelessness records yet again.”

Collins said the continued rise in homelessness reflects a systemic failure to prioritise housing and protect vulnerable people. “The Government’s response to this crisis has been inadequate. Record-breaking homelessness — particularly among children — demands decisive legislative action.”

He reiterated Independent Ireland’s long-standing call for housing emergency legislation to be enacted as the only viable solution to stem the crisis and ensure urgent, co-ordinated measures are put in place without further delay.

“Declaring a housing emergency is a necessary step to unlock the legal frameworks required to deliver real change. We need emergency powers to accelerate the delivery of social and affordable homes, to strengthen homelessness prevention and to rapidly build the infrastructure we so urgently need”

Collins contrasted Ireland’s worsening homelessness situation with the Government’s own claims of economic growth, highlighting the moral crisis inherent in watching vulnerable children live in emergency accommodation while broader economic indicators are touted as successes.

“Every homeless child in this country is a stark reminder that the current approach is failing. We need emergency legislation now — not incremental reforms that fall short of what the scale of this crisis demands.”

Independent Ireland has repeatedly urged cross-party cooperation on emergency housing measures, arguing that only bold, targeted action will reverse the upward trend in homelessness and deliver security to those without a place to call home.