New Figures Show 52 People In Wicklow Accessing Emergency Accommodation

The Department of Housing has published its homeless figures for February.

The number of people living in emergency accommodation in Ireland has hit another record high at 13,841.

There were 9,671 adults and 4,170 children homeless last month.

It's a net increase of 310 people on January's total, which stood at 13,531.

The Simon Communities of Ireland says the Department of Housing's figures "reflect the scale of the crisis" and it should "enshrine a right to housing in the constitution."

It adds tackling the issue must be the top priority for incoming Wicklow Taoiseach Simon Harris, and the country needs to "see concrete actions to increase the allocation of social homes to those experiencing homelessness."