Official figures show that the number of people sleeping rough in Dublin has increased by almost 50% since April.

A total of 139 people were found without accommodation, the highest number ever recorded since the rough sleeper count began. The Dublin Region Homeless Executive, which carried out the count, recently said it will provide extra emergency accommodation to cope with the upsurge

There are already 80 extra beds provided as part of the Cold Weather Initiative. However, the executive said more housing is badly needed. Six additional people access homeless services every day, with only two people being moved out of homelessness and into housing.

It also says there is a particular risk for families in rent arrears and has urged tenants to get help from housing services. The count found there were 139 people sleeping rough, compared to 94 in April. 80% were male and nearly 30% were from outside Ireland with the origin of nearly 20% unknown. It is the highest figure recorded since the rough sleeper counts began in 2007.

Dublin Region Homeless Executive Director Cathal Morgan has said there's a growing trend of families being forced to leave private rented accommodation and moving into homeless accommodation. Mr Morgan said there aside from traditional factors contributing to homelessness, such as mental health and addiction, there is growing evidence that a number of homeless people are struggling to keep up with the demands of day-to-day living......