Concerns Growing in Wexford as Eviction Notices Rise Across Ireland

Housing charities are warning that more families in Wexford and the southeast could face homelessness as new figures show more than 7,000 eviction notices were issued nationally during the first three months of this year.

Speaking about the situation, Conor Culkin from Focus Ireland highlighted that over 100 children are currently homeless across the southeast region, while 45 adults are in emergency accommodation in County Wexford alone.

The charity says many of the notices to quit are expected to lead directly to homelessness as they begin to expire in the coming months.

Focus Ireland is now calling on the Government to urgently increase funding for the Tenant in Situ scheme. The scheme allows local authorities or approved housing bodies to purchase properties where tenants are already living, helping families remain in their homes instead of entering homelessness.

The organisation says the approach is particularly important for young families who are at risk of losing rented accommodation.

Speaking about the impact on households, Conor described the panic many families experience when eviction notices arrive, particularly at a time when rental supply continues to shrink and landlords leave the market.

The charity stressed that the housing crisis is no longer confined to larger cities and is now having a serious impact across counties like Wexford.

Focus Ireland says urgent priorities include expanding social and affordable housing, increasing support for homelessness prevention measures and moving families currently stuck in long-term emergency accommodation into permanent homes.

The organisation also urged local and national politicians to treat homelessness in the southeast as an urgent issue, saying the number of children currently without secure housing is “simply unacceptable” but can still be addressed with the right policies and investment.