New figures show that 74 families became homeless in Dublin last month.

The report, by Focus Ireland, shows that 366 families – including 731 children – became homeless in the city in the first four months of this year.

The latest increase means the total number of families living in emergency accommodation in Dublin now stands at 888, including 1,786 children.

Focus Ireland is warning that the continued rise – along with pressure on hotel rooms – means the risk of families being forced to sleep rough is beginning to re-emerge.

Focus Ireland Director of Advocacy Mike Allen said: “It is important to highlight that the situation would in fact be much worse without the work Focus Ireland does in supporting families to move out of homelessness into secure housing with the support of the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive.

“Focus Ireland helps one family a day to secure a home and escape from being homeless with the support of the DRHE and Local Authorities.

“However, at the same time, three families become homeless every day as the crisis deepens.”

The Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government Simon Coveney said that he is working with local authorities to address the issue.

“I don’t need to be told that we have an emergency here that needs a response,” he said.

“This year, Dublin City Council will spend €46m on hotel rooms for families that don’t have homes. And I’ve already met all of the chief executives to ask them for an emergency response plan.

“My role here is to really understand the issue from the inside out and the to put measures in place that are practical.”