Latest Figures Show 70 People Registered As Homeless In Wicklow

The numbers nationwide have reached record levels again.

Department of Housing figures show there were 15,286 people in emergency accommodation in January.

The total includes 4,603 children who are living in B&Bs and hotels.

The figure from the Department of Housing is almost 13 percent higher than a year ago.

Compared to the previous month - there was an increase of 422.

The issue is most acute in the capital where there are 7,497 adults and 3,415 children registered as homeless.

The Housing Minister James Browne says he is committed to reducing the numbers who are living in emergency accommodation - however today seemed to row back on a Government commitment to eradicate homelessness by 2030.

The figures from the Department of Housing don't include women in refuge centres, asylum seekers, refugees, rough sleepers or the so-called hidden homeless.