141 per cent jump in emergency accommodation spend

by Louise Doyle

THERE has been a 141 per cent increase in the amount spent on emergency accommodation by Donegal County Council in the last year.

Figures obtained by the Donegal News from the Local Authority reveal that they spent €1,226,032 on emergency accommodation for those presenting as homeless in 2024.

This is an increase from €718,932 spent in 2023.

The number of people supported by Donegal County Council also jumped in 2024 compared with the year previous. According to the figures, the number of children supported by the council was also higher in 2024.

A total of 498 persons were supported in 2024, 86 of whom were children. In 2023, 309 persons were supported, 230 of whom were adults and 79 were children.

A spokesperson for Donegal County Council said repeat presentations are a factor in the figures.

“The number of people supported in homelessness accommodation over the year includes repeat presentations by individuals or families and is not limited to new cases only.”

Donegal County Council have said there have been recent enhancements in emergency accommodation to improve the quality oversight and effectiveness of homeless support in Donegal.

The council’s newly appointed HAP Placefinder officer will be working with organisations to secure long-term and permanent accommodation.

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