The number of people who are homeless has reached a new record high, with charities that work with individuals who are homeless calling the figures "deeply upsetting".
Latest figures from the Department of Housing show 11,988 recorded were homeless in March - a 2.1% increase on previous month.
The statistic covers the four weeks before the winter eviction ban was lifted by the Government.
In January this year, the number of people recorded as homeless was 11,754.
That figure fell by 12 in February to 11,742.
It was the first drop since December 2021, when the number of people in emergency accommodation stood at almost 9,000.
The latest figures show that 8,516 adults and 3,472 children were homeless in March.
That compares to 8,369 adults and 3,373 children in February.
In January, there were 8,323 adults and 3,431 number of children homeless.
Figures are shocking, says Simon Communities chief
Executive Director of the Simon Communities of Ireland, Wayne Stanley, described the latest figures as "deeply upsetting".
Mr Stanley said that the "shocking number" of 11,988 men, women and children in homeless emergency accommodation may have been even higher had the moratorium on evictions not been in place.
He said the decision by the Government not to return to an eviction ban meant "they have, now more than ever, a duty to ensure there are the required safety nets and solutions in place".
While he welcomed the potential of the Tenant In-Situ scheme as a prevention measure, he said more homes needed to be secured and allocated to those experiencing the trauma of homelessness.
"We know that some of this work is taking place and that is welcome, but Government action on homelessness has to be judged on results and these figures are evidence that not enough is being done," he said.
The charity Depaul said the figures highlighted the urgent need for the continued focus on capacity to increase delivery of housing stock.
Its Chief Executive, David Carroll, said measures announced in recent weeks needed to be introduced at a rapid pace to prevent more people from entering homelessness once eviction notice periods expire.
"Depaul's homeless services are experiencing a protracted period of staff shortage and any significant increase in presentations will be very difficult to deal with," he said.
The real impact of lifting the eviction ban has yet to be felt according to Focus Ireland.
The charity has called for the Government to take a twin-track approach of increasing housing allocation to the most vulnerable while also increasing supply to help deal with the expected deepening crisis in the coming months.
Responding to the latest homeless figures it said that ending the ban had caused "widespread fear" in the rental sector for those facing eviction and many others who are not yet at risk.
Focus Ireland CEO, Pat Dennigan, said that the charity has been getting calls and emails every day from people who are facing no fault eviction and homelessness.
"They are terrified and I really do not think the Government has spoken to people in this situation as if they had they would not have lifted the ban," he said.
Mr Dennigan stated: "One retired civil servant contacted us for help as she is facing eviction and terrified. We are working to support her, and she is just one of the many people contacting us".
"How can this be allowed to happen in our society? It is disgraceful and sadly we will see more of it," he added.
Mr Dennigan said it was vital to remind people that homelessness "is both solvable and preventable."
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Housing Eoin Ó Broin referred to the homeless figures as "utterly depressing".
In a statement, he said they demonstrate "the need for Government to immediately reinstate the ban on no-fault evictions".
