A Galway family has reported significant distress while living in emergency accommodation, highlighting the ongoing challenges of Ireland’s housing crisis. Latest national figures show 5,604 children were in emergency accommodation as of April, while local data indicates that while child homelessness numbers in Galway have declined from 240 in 2024 to 204 this year, families continue to face severe conditions in temporary housing.
The impact of emergency accommodation on families
One anonymous mother, whose two sons have lived in emergency accommodation for over two years, told reporters that the environment is unsuitable for raising children. The family resides in a B&B where they share a communal kitchen and sitting area, spending most of their time confined to a single bedroom. According to the mother, the eldest son has developed significant emotional and behavioral difficulties, including night terrors, which have impacted his younger brother.
Medical professionals assessing the eldest child submitted a Housing/Medical Disability (HMD) form to Galway City Council, recommending a three-bedroom house to provide the children with separate rooms. The council, however, determined that the child’s night terrors did not qualify as an “enduring medical condition.” While the council maintains it takes HMD forms seriously, public representatives argue the system is failing families due to a lack of supply.
The number of children in emergency accommodation in Galway dropped from 240 in April 2024 to 204 in April of this year, though local officials note these figures do not account for “hidden homelessness,” such as families sleeping in cars or on couches.
Political response to the housing crisis
Sinn Féin TD Mairéad Farrell described the situation in Galway as an “utter crisis point,” noting that her office is overwhelmed by constituents facing eviction. She attributes the worsening conditions to government policies, including the tenant in situ scheme and current rental regulations. Fianna Fáil TD John Connolly echoed these concerns, stating that demand for social housing far exceeds the available supply, leaving the council unable to meet the needs of those assessed as homeless.
The Department of Housing stated that its role is to provide a national framework and funding, while statutory responsibility for homeless services rests with individual housing authorities. The department has committed to developing a “Child and Family Homelessness Action Plan” to accelerate exits from emergency services, though it notes that monitoring safeguarding standards remains the responsibility of local authorities.
The disparity between official homelessness figures and the anecdotal evidence of “hidden homelessness” suggests a systemic underreporting of the crisis. While policy frameworks like the National Quality Standards Framework exist, the operational reality for families in B&Bs remains constrained by a severe shortage of social housing units, creating a bottleneck that keeps vulnerable children in unsuitable environments for extended periods.
What happens next
As the government moves to implement a dedicated Child and Family Homelessness Action Plan, future reports may reveal whether these measures effectively reduce the time families spend in emergency settings. If current trends continue, the discrepancy between official homeless figures and the prevalence of hidden homelessness—such as families staying with relatives or in mobile homes—is likely to remain a central point of contention for local representatives. Analysts expect the pressure on local authority staff to persist as long as the demand for housing continues to outpace the supply of available properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the mother of the two boys seeking a three-bedroom house?
A medical team advised that the children require separate bedrooms due to the eldest son’s significant emotional and behavioral difficulties, which have been exacerbated by the family’s two-year stay in a single B&B room.
Does Galway City Council accept “night terrors” as an enduring medical condition?
No, the council formally determined that the child’s night terrors did not meet their criteria for an “enduring medical condition” when reviewing the family’s HMD form.
What is the government’s stated priority regarding homelessness?
According to the Department of Housing, the government’s top priority is supporting people into secure tenancies through a new housing action plan that focuses on preventing homelessness and providing enhanced supports for children.
How do you think the government should balance the need for immediate emergency housing with the long-term goal of providing permanent, stable homes for families in crisis?
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