Record numbers sleeping rough in Dublin

Highest number since official count began in 2007

The number of people sleeping rough in Dublin is the highest since official counting began in 2007, according to the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE). The Winter Rough Sleeper count, which is conducted each November, revealed that the number of homeless in Dublin has almost trebled in five years.

The DRHE found 168 people sleeping on the capital’s streets, representing a 20 per cent increase on the 139 people found in last year's winter count, and an 180 per cent increase compared to 2009.

Of the people counted sleeping rough in Dublin this winter, 130 were male, 16 were female and 22 were unknown. In terms of nationality, 59 were Irish, 39 were foreigners and 70 were unknown.

40 were aged between 31 and 40; 36 were aged between 18 and 30; 17 were aged 41 to 50; 10 were aged between 51 and 60; three were over 61; and 62 were unknown.

However the DRHE said the counts tell only “part of the story” and only confirms the "minimum number of people sleeping rough on the night in question."