Newly-released figures have revealed that there has been an increase of 55% in the number of families becoming homeless since the beginning of 2015.

The statistics, which have been published by Ireland's Department of the Environment, also highlighted a surge in the number of homeless families now living in hotels.

In January of this year, 401 families were homeless, but this figure stood at 620 in June.

Of these families, there are said to be 1,318 children – an increase from 865 at the beginning of the year.

According to reports, 531 of the families are in the Dublin region, with 373 of those living in hotels. This is an increase of 73% since the beginning of 2015. In addition, the number of new families turning to homeless services each month has also risen and is now almost 40% higher than in January.

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It is thought the increasing cost of rents, a lack of private-rented accommodation and social housing are all contributing to the current crisis.

Commenting on the findings, Gerry Adams TD, President of Sinn Féin, criticised the government, saying: "Homelessness can be prevented and no one in this country should be left to live night to night without the certainty of a home. It is not good enough for An Taoiseach to say that no family should be in temporary accommodation while he leads a government that stood over increased homelessness.

"His government has failed to prevent homelessness, has failed to introduce rent control and failed to protect tenants against landlords. His government has failed to take the sides of homeowners against the banks, with repossessions on the rise.

"His government has failed to invest adequately in a social housing building programme and failed to fully fund homeless services. Homelessness can be prevented and ended, but it will take investment and political will not the platitudes offered today by the Taoiseach."

(JP)