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The 2016 Census reports that 6,906 people were classified as homeless in Ireland on the night the census was taken. This nationwide figure represents a staggering 84% increase on the 2011 census. A further 1700+ people living in Long Term Accomodation at that time were not considered homeless.

In the Mid-West region (Limerick City & County, Clare, North Tipperary) 265 Males and 131 Females were classified as homeless, totalling 396 individuals. This compares to 273 persons in the 2011 census report on homelessness, a 69% increase in the region.

The South West region of Cork and Kerry reports 285 males and 186 females, a 64% increase on 2011. There was a large increase in the numbers of females reported as homeless jumping from 69 persons in 2011. Significantly, this region overtakes the South-East as the 2nd highest ranked black-spot for homelessness nationally.

829 families with children were reported on the count representing 2,834 individuals of whom 1,720 were children. Many of these people continue to live in unsuitable B & B accomodation and hotels.

The gender balance shows that for every 4 males there were 2.9 females homeless. The average age was 31 years whilst females tended to be younger than males.
One in eight people stated that they had not been educated beyond Primary School level whilst only one in ten had progressed to third level.

Of the persons who reported a nationality the vast majority are Irish. In the 2011 report 163 members of the travelling community were enumerated as homeless. This figure has now risen to 517.

The most difficult group to reach on a census count are those who are sleeping rough. On the night of the count it was recorded that 123 persons were sleeping rough nationally. 104 males and 19 females.

To read the full report go to www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-cp5hpi/cp5hpi/