35% jump in homeless families in Meath since December – Byrne

Published on: 23 May 2016


New figures obtained by Fianna Fáil TD for Meath Thomas Byrne have released a dramatic increase in homelessness figures in Meath since January.

The figures were released by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government and show that there has been a month on month increase in homelessness figures so far in 2016. 45 people were homeless in Meath in January, but this number has now jumped to 61 in the latest figures.

Deputy Byrne commented, “The latest figures show that the housing crisis is escalating here in Meath. 45 people were relying on emergency accommodation in the county last January but this figure has now increased to 61.

“There have been significant increases in rates of homelessness right across the country since last January. The root cause of this is the low supply of housing which is ultimately driving up rents and forcing people out of their homes.

“Fianna Fáil secured an increase in rent supplement as part of its confidence and supply arrangement with Fine Gael. This will help keep people in their homes but it’s only a short term solution to the problem. The long-term solution is to build more homes and increase the supply of housing.

“The cross party Oireachtas Committee on Housing and Homelessness is currently meeting on a weekly basis to determine a strategy to decisively deal with the issue of homelessness. Fianna Fáil is bringing forward a series of recommendations aimed at increasing housing supply and addressing the homelessness crisis. It’s important that TD’s and Senators work together on this issue to ensure its adequately addressed without delay.”

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