New figures reveal a record number of children experiencing homelessness in Ireland, with 5,659 currently in emergency accommodation. This marks a significant increase, occurring alongside an overall rise in homelessness which surpassed 17,000 individuals at the beginning of 2026. The growing crisis highlights the ongoing struggles with housing affordability and availability across the country. Experts attribute the rise to a combination of factors, including the housing shortage, rising rents, and economic pressures on families. This impacts children’s education, health, and overall well-being, creating long-term challenges. Advocacy groups are calling for urgent government intervention and increased investment in social housing solutions to address the escalating problem. The situation underscores a critical need for preventative measures to keep families from falling into homelessness in the first place.