There were 256 homeless adults in emergency accommodation in Galway last month, the latest Department of Housing figures show.
This is just a tiny decrease of the figures of 258 homeless adults here in Galway back in April.
Galway made up the bulk of the 290 adults in homelessness in the West region of Galway City & County, and Mayo/Roscommon.
Across the western region, there were 85 families in emergency accommodation during the week of May 23 – 29, of which 44 were single parent families.
These included 212 children in the west of Ireland who did not have a home last month.
Nationwide there were a total of 7,297 homeless adults in Ireland last month, and 3,028 child dependents.
These figures only account for those in government funded emergency accommodation, and don’t include people who might be couch surfing, or sleeping rough.
David Carroll, Chief Executive of Depaul homelessness charity, said that pre-budget talks are needed on measures to get people into homes.
“We are calling for targeted and immediate measures in terms of HAP reform and the provision of one bed units for single women and men.”
“While we welcomed the recent announcement of an increase to HAP payments, rent prices are through the roof and about 90% of the market is unavailable to those on HAP, resulting in people paying top-ups that quickly become unmanageable.”
However, he added that the solution to spiraling rents is not simply to increase HAP payment levels, though it has a role to play while social housing is being built.
“There is a need to conduct a fundamental review of the Private Rented Sector examining issues such the role of taxation in supporting smaller landlords, the need for a rent freeze for a prolonged period and the effectiveness of rent pressure zones.”
“Social housing should be designed in the most integrated way possible. When planning, consideration must be given to the cohort most in need and immediate action is needed to accommodate this cohort.”
“Pre budget talks must focus on getting people into homes and supporting the Housing for All government policy.”
“If we don’t intervene at early stages, the risk is a growing number of people will become trapped in the homeless cycle.”
David Carroll said that in a wealthy country like Ireland, no-one should go without a roof over their head.
