Homelessness and Emergency Accommodation
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Irish Acts of the Oireachtas, statutory instruments, and official guidance.
Irish National Law
What is this right?
If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness, your local authority has a duty to provide assistance. Under the Housing Act 1988:
- A person is legally homeless if they have no accommodation they can reasonably occupy, are living in a hospital, institution, or emergency accommodation, or are unable to provide accommodation from their own resources.
- Local authorities must carry out an assessment of housing need and may provide or arrange emergency accommodation.
- Emergency accommodation is available through local authority homeless services — in Dublin this is coordinated through the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE).
While there is no absolute right to permanent housing, local authorities must take reasonable steps to address homelessness.
When does it apply?
- You have no accommodation available to you, or you are about to lose your current accommodation.
- You are sleeping rough, in a shelter, in a hospital (and cannot go home), or in unsuitable temporary accommodation.
- Families with children and vulnerable individuals are prioritised in emergency accommodation.
- EU/EEA citizens, refugees with status, and persons with permission to remain are entitled to access services. Undocumented migrants face more limited options but can access emergency services.
What should you do?
- Contact your local authority — ask for the homeless services section.
- In Dublin, call the Freephone number 1800 707 707 (operated by the DRHE).
- Outside Dublin, contact your local authority housing department during office hours.
- Organisations like Focus Ireland, the Simon Communities, and the Peter McVerry Trust provide outreach, advice, and accommodation services.
- If you receive a notice of termination from your landlord and cannot find alternative accommodation, contact Threshold immediately.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't wait until you are on the street — seek help as early as possible if you are at risk of losing your home.
- Don't be afraid to access services — homeless services are there to help, and your information is treated confidentially.
- Don't assume you must sleep rough — emergency beds are available in most areas, even if the system is under pressure.
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