SDLP Opposition Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA has strongly criticised the Northern Ireland Executive, claiming that the high number of deaths among homeless people is a direct consequence of repeated failure by the devolved government.

His comments follow the release of new figures from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA), which recorded 58 deaths among people experiencing homelessness across the region in 2024.

The SDLP Foyle MLA stated that the scale of the tragedy demands urgent action, underscoring the personal loss involved: "The scale of deaths among homeless people cannot be ignored. Every one of these 58 people who lost their lives was someone's son, daughter, mother, father, sister or brother." Mr Durkan argued that while the reasons for homelessness are complex, the Executive's inability to address the root causes has directly intensified the crisis. He pointed to several specific areas of systemic failure, including rising social housing waiting lists, a diluted anti-poverty strategy, the shelving of a mental health plan, and budget cuts to addiction services, all of which leave vulnerable people without necessary support.

He commended the critical role played by the third sector, stating that only through the "herculean efforts of community and voluntary organisations" is the death figure not even higher. However, he cautioned that many of these groups are themselves struggling with funding issues, facing closure, and coping with soaring demand.

Mr Durkan concluded that the issue requires substantial and immediate political engagement: "This is a serious societal issue that demands urgent action. We need sustained investment in homelessness prevention, housing, mental health and addiction services alongside early intervention to support people before they reach crisis point. Nobody ends up in this situation by choice and the Executive must finally acknowledge the scale of this problem and act to address it."