"Harrowing and distressing statistics" - Teenage boy among 20 homeless deaths in Dublin this year

A teenager under 18 years old was among the 20 people accessing homelessness services who died between January and April of 2023 in Dublin.

Among the deaths, 18 were male, four of whom were between the ages of 60 and 69. One woman was in her 40s, and the other was in her 50s.

This data was released to Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín by Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE), which covers the areas of South Dublin County Council, Fingal County Council and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

The Aontú leader described the deaths as “deeply concerning”.

As of the end of February 2023, there were 8,588 individuals accessing homeless services in Dublin. This figure includes 2,576 children. The harrowing figures make up the majority of the total 12,259 total homeless people across the country, and are the highest in recorded state history.

20 deaths were recorded in Dublin homeless services in the first quarter of 23'.

We watch our homeless friends die on the streets; a father, a mother, a brother, sister. 😢

Nothing but statistics to @DarraghOBrienTD. pic.twitter.com/K38CaDRlo5

— Streetlink Homeless Support (@StreetlinkBAC) June 6, 2023

In May, the Department of Health released a report on the premature deaths of homeless people in Ireland.

It found that while while substance abuse and mental health were found in a majority of cases, the deaths were primarily the result of the "social determinants" of health, including inadequate accommodation, poverty, lack of employment, child and adult trauma and imprisonment.

Spesking on the shocking figures, the Aontú leader said "behind each one of these statistics is an individual and their family and friends. The ages at death are deeply concerning.

“It’s chilling that over two-thirds of these deaths were of people younger than me,” Tóibín added. “We know the causes of the deaths and what we need is urgent implementation of solutions. We need the Departments of Health, Justice, Children, and Education to work together on this. From DEIS schools to psychologists, to social workers and prison officers.

“These are harrowing and distressing statistics.”

The homelessness crisis in Dublin has continued to worsen, with organisations such as the Simon Community noticing the uptick in support needed.

Dublin is bearing the brunt of the homelessness and housing crisis, with 9,010 people in emergency accommodation in April, representing a 3% increase on the previous month and a 25% increase over the past 12 months. pic.twitter.com/yZB3At4Okc

— Dublin Simon (@Dublin_Simon) May 26, 2023

Recommendations for ensuring the safety, security and rehabilitation of homeless people have included increasing provision of naloxone for overdoses, better mental healthcare that is sex-specific, and better harm-reduction strategies for people who use drugs.

In all of 2022, 45 people accessing homelessness services died, with estimates being higher as this does not include individuals not known to the DRHE. This figure was 68 in 2021, and 46 in 2020. It is hoped by homeless services such as the DRHE that action can be taken to prevent further unnecessary and premature deaths.