‘Clear sign of a failed system’ – Almost 50 working adults in Meath emergency housing
Figures released by Meath County Council show that 44 adults in emergency accommodation have reported being in work.
The data was provided in response to a question from Independent councillor Alan Lawes at the April meeting of Meath County Council, where he sought clarity on how many people in emergency housing are employed.
The council confirmed that, as of March 30, 2025, a total of 312 adults were living in emergency accommodation across the county.
However, it cautioned that the true number of those in employment may be higher, as only the employment status of the lead member of each household is recorded.
“It is important to note that only the employment status of the lead member of each household is recorded on assessment, meaning that employment figures for other adult members or adult children are not captured,” the local authority said.
“The actual number of adults in employment may therefore be higher than the figure reported.”
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Lawes said the figures underline the scale of the housing crisis.
“The biggest issue is the lack of housing,” he said.
“The figures show the state of the economy and our society with the amount of working people who are now homeless.”
“Isn’t this a clear sign of a failed society if there is a large number of people who can’t find a home? People have a perceived idea that it’s only people who have an addiction problem or from a broken home that are homeless.”
The Navan councillor said the housing crisis is a national issue that “needs to be treated like an emergency.”