The level of child homelessness in the Midwest has soared by 30% over the past year.
New figures released by the Department of Housing show more than 250 children were living in emergency accommodation across Clare and Limerick in September.
A record 16,614 people were availing of homeless accommodation nationwide in the week of the 22nd to the 28th of September.
In the Midwest region, a total of 619 adults were homeless in the period of question, indicating a year-on-year rise of 16%.
Of these, 76 were in Clare which is four more than in August.
The Department of Housing’s data also shows that 269 child dependents were accessing emergency accommodation in Clare or Limerick in September.
This means there has been an increase of 34% in child homelessness in the region within the last 12 months.
Looking at the national picture, 5,238 children were living in emergency accommodation in September which is the highest figure since records began.
