OVER 730 people were homeless in the Mid West during February, according to new Department of Housing figures.
630 adults in Limerick and 106 in Clare were living in emergency accommodation during the week of February 16-22 – over six per cent of the nationwide figures.
Over half of these people were single adults, consisting of 377 men and 359 women.
The majority of people sleeping rough during this time frame were aged between 25-44 (411) followed by 200 people aged 45-64, the Department’s figures showed.
Nationally, figures rose again to 17,308 with 11,851 adults and 5,457 children homeless across February.
Depaul Chief Executive David Carroll said the figures were a stark reminder that the housing crisis is not only deepening, but becoming more entrenched.
He said it is crucial for all parties to work together towards the forthcoming Homeless Prevention Framework.
“We believe the private rental market is one of the keys to the homelessness prevention solution,” he said.
“When we look at the fallout we are seeing from the recently introduced rental legislation, there is a need to make sure that small landlords in particular are supported to remain in the market as there is intensifying pressure on the rental market – leaving a growing shortage of homes available to rent.”
He added that the review of the HAP system, particularly around rental legislation changes, “is crucial in long term housing planning and our hope is it will introduce measures to drive the delivery of housing, and improve current stock – to help put some focus on immediate homelessness prevention”.