137 families including 252 children now homeless across the South West region of Cork and Kerry.
The number of people accessing emergency homeless accommodation nationwide has reached a record high, weeks after new rental rules came into effect.
The number of people using emergency accommodation rose to 17,517 in the last full week of March, an increase from 17,308 the previous month.
The total is made up of 11,946 adults and 5,571 children, both at record levels.
Musicians, bands, communities and schools across Cork are being asked to ‘Make Some Noise’ to help end homelessness on Friday, May 1, as Focus Ireland launches its new nationwide awareness and fundraising campaign in partnership with Cork’s Red FM.
Live music events organised by Focus Ireland and supported by Red FM will take place throughout the day in Cork’s Mahon Point Shopping Centre and Marina Market featuring performances by locally based musicians.
Performers across the region are also encouraged to organise their own gigs in pubs, music venues, schools or local communities.
Make Some Noise events will kick off in Cork at 7am on Friday morning with a Coffee Shop Rave at Sam’s Coffee in Togher.
Red FM’s KC will be broadcasting his breakfast show live from the scene on the Big Red Bus while DJ Stevie G will be on the decks.
Primary schools across Cork are invited to take part in a ‘national noise moment’ on Friday, May 1 by assembling in their school yard, gym or hall at 11am to make as much noise as possible for one minute by shouting, singing, clapping or banging drums while raising funds for Focus Ireland by donating €2 per child.
In 2025, Focus Ireland supported 120 households, including 50 families, through tenancies in Cork.
A total of 86 adults and 69 children were provided long term housing while 15 young people were accommodated in youth housing.
24 people were also helped to exit homelessness.
Focus Ireland CEO, Pat Dennigan said: “At Focus Ireland, we want to end child homelessness, but we know that we can’t do it alone. We know that homelessness affects people right across the country, with a record number of children experiencing the disruption to their education, development, and family life caused by living in emergency accommodation. This is wrong.”
Mr Dennigan continued: “Whether you organise a gig in your local town, join one of our events, or make some noise at school, together, we can all play our part in ensuring no child is without a home.”
Keith Cunningham, presenter on Cork’s Red FM said: “It’s heartbreaking to see so many children without a stable place to call home, and campaigns like this show how small actions can make a big difference. We’re proud to back it at Red FM and would encourage everyone to get involved.”
Cork musician Jamie Nolan who hails from Bandon, will be performing in Mahon Point Shopping Centre.
He hopes to raise €1,000 for Focus Ireland. “All I ask is that people donate, even if it’s just €1 as anything helps. All funds go towards stopping homelessness in Ireland.”
Paul Flatman who will be performing in Schull on Saturday May 2, said people are always incredibly generous. “We all recognise the enormity of this national problem. It’s energising to feel that you might, in some small way, be doing something that helps.”
Make Some Noise events will take place on Friday May 1 in Mahon Point Shopping Centre from 11am to 7pm and in the Marina Market from 12pm to 4pm.
To sign up, organise a gig or donate, visit www.focusireland.ie for more information.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.independent.ie ’
