Record 17,548 in Emergency Accommodation in Ireland, Including 5,604 Children (April 2026) (thejournal.ie)

• Record 17,548 in emergency accommodation in April 2026; 5,604 children (new high).
• 51% jump in eviction notices in Q1 2026 linked to new rental rules allowing market rents on vacant properties.
• Charities and opposition parties call for eviction bans, rent freezes, and increased social housing delivery.

"The number of people in emergency accommodation in Ireland reached a record 17,548 in April 2026, including a new high of 5,604 children. Charities warn of fallout from new rental rules, which allowed landlords to set market rents on vacant properties, linked to a 51% jump in eviction notices in Q1. Focus Ireland and Depaul called for increased funding for Tenant in Situ purchases and a ban on no-fault evictions. Political parties proposed plans including a three-year eviction ban and rent freeze."