The number of homeless people fell slightly in December, the Department of Housing has said.

The latest figures show there were 13,318 people living in emergency accommodation last month.

It means the level of homelessness has fallen by 1.5% - or 196 people compared to November’s record high figure of 13,514.

It does, however, represent a significant year-on-year increase since December 2022 when there were 11,632 people in emergency accommodation - 14.5% less than there are now.

The Department also found the number of rough sleepers - who are not included in the figures - has risen in Dublin since last winter.

In late 2022, there were an estimated 91 people sleeping rough in the capital but by November 2023 that figure had risen to 118.

'Very welcome'

Housing charity Focus Ireland said the drop in people using emergency accommodation was the result of “hard work” by the housing sector but there is still a lot that needs to be done.

“The fall in homelessness in December is very welcome and we hope this trend continues,” a spokesperson said.

“However, it would be remiss of us not to highlight that this comes against the backdrop of an appalling increase of 14% in homelessness during the last year alone.”

A homeless person on the street in Dublin, 11-01-2017. Image: Leon Farrell/RollingNews

Dublin Simon Community CEO Catherine Kenny said the figures for Dublin are particularly concerning and emergency accommodation in the capital is “bursting at the seams”.

“The total homeless population of our biggest city is approaching the entire homeless population of Ireland from a little less than two years ago,” he said.

“At this rate, we can expect to see even more grim milestones [that will] further overwhelm the system.”

Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien said Government action is “making a difference” in the area of housing.

"Whether it is prevention, exits or housing supply, the numbers are going in the direction that we as a society want,” he said.

“There is no lack of resolve or money to sustain this momentum and ultimately reduce the numbers entering homelessness."

Main image: Homeless person shelters from the cold Ha’penny Bridge in Dublin. Image: Michael Rooney / Alamy