Depaul Welcomes Preventative Approach of Housing Plan

but Needs to See Commitment to Specific Reduction Targets

Dublin, 13th November 2025 – Depaul Ireland, today welcomes the Governments ‘Delivering homes, Building Communities’ plan in terms of the focus on homelessness prevention, the proposed increase in housing supply targets and the focus on families and children and is fully committed to working with the Minister and the Government. However, needs to see a commitment to specific reduction targets and concrete actions must materialise now to meet the aspirations outlined in the plan.

Commenting on the plan David Carroll, CEO of Depaul noted: “We have been calling for measures to prioritise families in temporary accommodation and are grateful to see the proposal to inject more than €100 million next year for second hand acquisitions. However, we would like to see specific targets for reduction – as evidence of this ambition and to guide delivery of this. We are also keen to see details around the direction which will be given to large Approved Housing Bodies for example in terms of where to build – in the right places and the type of stock.

We welcome the Child and Family action plan to provide 2,000 tenancies through a Housing First Programme. And we are heartened to see the commitment to deliver 72,000 new social homes over the Plan’s lifetime but this must materialise quickly in order to make an impact on long-term homelessness. If the government is focused on prevention, then we also call for a specific line in the budget to be allocated to funding local authorities to maintain the tenant in situ scheme which needs to be key as part of an overall approach to preventing homelessness. This scheme is a fundamental homelessness prevention tool without which thousands more would be in homelessness. Depaul is also continuing to call for an examination of the current Housing Assistance Payment system (HAPS). We believe the urgent review of HAP and the limits is crucially important in long term housing planning and sustaining households in the private rented sector.

While the family focus is important – we also want to continue to shine a light on other cohorts experiencing homelessness including individuals, and those with complex needs – they can’t be forgotten if the ambition is to end homelessness in all its guises. Similarly, Depaul also notes the absence of a specific strategy to enable people to leave international protection. While the plan recognises those leaving Direct Provision as a group at high risk of homelessness – we look forward to plans being developed alongside the Department of Justice to prevent homelessness for those with Permission to Remain in the IPAS system.”

It is good to hear the Minister talk about shifting the dial and his hope to tackle homelessness however while this is a start – a stronger, homeless reduction will not be achieved without a unified response. Legislation is now needed with all parties involved being committed to their role in achieving this ambition including the Department of Health and those in Justice.

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For media queries contact: Colette Campbell: Communications & Advocacy Depaul – colette.campbell@depaulcharity.net