Concern over homelessness figures

Labour’s Councillor Fiona Bonfield has condemned the Government’s inaction as new homelessness figures for February 2025 reveal a record 15,378 people in emergency accommodation, including 4,653 children. Cllr Bonfield said this appalling situation is the direct result of political choices and demanded immediate action to protect families, single people, and children at risk of homelessness.

Cllr Bonfield said: “These shocking figures expose the devastating failure of this Government’s housing policy. In Tipperary families are struggling to keep a roof over their heads, and more and more single people are at risk of homelessness.

“Government cannot continue to stand idly by while homelessness reaches unprecedented levels. Labour has set out clear measures to tackle this crisis, starting with passing the Housing (Homeless Families) Bill 2017 which would ensure that local authorities place the best interests of children at the heart of decision-making for homeless families. It passed legislative scrutiny in 2019, yet the Government has failed to act. That must change.

“Secondly, we need real investment in homelessness prevention. The Government spends hundreds of millions on emergency accommodation - often paying private providers - while failing to tackle the root cause. Without a shift in priorities to long-term solutions, the numbers will only keep rising.

“Thirdly, we must strengthen the Tenant in Situ Scheme to protect single people at risk of homelessness. Many of those losing their homes are single tenants, and in areas like Tipperary, the lack of one-bedroom social housing is forcing people into emergency accommodation. Government must increase funding and ensure enough single-unit homes are delivered to meet demand.

“Finally, we need a full review of social housing allocation criteria to ensure that those most at risk of homelessness - including families with children - are properly prioritised. Proposals to reserve 10% of new social housing for long-term homeless individuals must be seriously considered.

“The crisis we are seeing in Tipperary and across the country is not inevitable - it is the result of political choices. The Government’s failure to act is condemning thousands of people, including children, to homelessness.

“The Government is preparing to replace Housing for All, but we don’t need another glossy document - we need action. Labour has set out practical solutions, but unless the Government finds the political will to act, homelessness will continue to spiral.”

The people of Tipperary and beyond deserve better. The time for half-measures is over. We need urgent action now.”