THE AMOUNT of homeless people who have died in Ireland has risen by a staggering 35% in the last year.
Over the weekend, two homeless people were found dead, bringing the total number who have died in 2020 above 50.
At the same point last year, just 37 homeless people had died - representing a 35% rise between 2019 and 2020.
On October 24, a young mother of four was found dead in a tent in Clondalkin, Dublin. Gardai said that she may have died between October 21 and 24.
The body of a man in his 40s was also discovered in the city centre on Friday October 23.
The Dublin Regional Homeless Executive (DRHE) reported an 'unprecedented spike' in homeless deaths this year, partially attributing it to hardships brought on by Covid-19.
A lack of social distancing in homeless shelters has led to more people taking to the streets and living in tents.
The DRHE said they are "deeply saddened" by recent figures and announced they will be working with the HSE to develop "a deeper insight into these cases and identify any gaps in services".
