Decades in the Making: Understanding Homelessness in Ireland Since Independence

A century after the state’s foundation, Ireland faces an acute homelessness crisis with families and children increasingly affected. This book uncovers how decades of housing policy, financial decisions and social factors have shaped today’s housing insecurity. It is the first to take a historical approach, tracing the roots of homelessness back to key policy decisions taken over the past century.

By understanding how we got here, it offers crucial insights into breaking the cycle. Essential reading for policy makers, scholars and anyone concerned about Ireland’s housing future, with lessons for other jurisdictions, this book reveals why solving homelessness requires rethinking how we build and fund housing.

Eoin O’Sullivan is Senior Dean and Professor in Social Policy at Trinity College Dublin.

Mike Allen is Director of Advocacy, Research and Communications at Focus Ireland.

Sarah Sheridan is Adjunct Lecturer and Visiting Research Fellow in the School of Social Work and Social Policy at Trinity College Dublin.