Dundalk Simon state ‘record shattering’ homeless figures need urgent action in Budget 2026

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

Dundalk Simon are calling for “significant investment in a comprehensive plan—encompassing housing, healthcare, and social protection” to prevent people from becoming homeless, and to support those already experiencing it to exit homelessness.

With Budget 2026 just a few weeks away, the charity has sounded the alarm on homelessness, insisting it “must be a central focus in the upcoming housing plan to ensure that thousands currently facing this hardship may leave it behind for good.”

Louth County Council is the statutory lead agency for homelessness in the north east region. Latest reports reveal 252 people in emergency accommodation, equating to 30 families, 65 children and 138 single adults across counties Louth, Cavan and Monaghan.

Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dundalk Simon Community, said, “Once again, we are witnessing record-shattering homeless figures. Tragically, we are at a stage where we have come to expect these increases. Things needed to change long ago, but it is not too late for those in power to take decisive action. Budget 2026 must include a clear, cross-departmental plan to tackle homelessness as a housing, health, and social emergency. This cannot be solved in one year—what we expect is the start of sustained investment over the coming years. We cannot expect different results if we continue acting the same way, with housing, health, and social departments working in silos. There needs to be significant investment in social and affordable housing, adequate funding for homeless and health services, and full resourcing for all 100 beds at our Health and Addiction Care Facility at Usher’s Island, where currently only 63 are operational.”

She added: "We can no longer accept seeing the homeless figures climb upward every month. This has been a crisis for some time and it needs to be treated as the emergency it is. Budget 2026 and the housing plan due in October must work together to deliver long-term solutions, including a dedicated homelessness strategic pillar in the housing plan to address root causes."

As part of pre-budget planning, Dundalk Simon Community has called on the government to prioritise social and affordable housing supply: Increase supply until it reaches at least 20% of the national housing stock, with a minimum of 20% of allocations reserved for people experiencing long-term homelessness, sized appropriately to their needs.

The charity has further highlighted the need for the AHB (Approved Housing Body Sector) to be adequately resourced, recognising that Local Authorities and AHBs deliver 75% of homes for those exiting homelessness.

The government should reform capital funding models and expedite planning processes, “removing red tape slowing down the delivery of vital social housing projects,” according to the CEO.