The Children’s Rights Alliance has warned that Ireland’s housing crisis is pushing child poverty back to levels last seen during the 2008 recession.

New research published today by the ESRI, in partnership with Community Foundation Ireland, shows that when housing costs are taken into account, one in five children are living below the poverty line — a rate similar to that of the financial crash years.

Tanya Ward, Chief Executive of the Children’s Rights Alliance, said the findings highlight a “lack of urgency and ambition” in tackling child poverty. “This report ranks Ireland in a dismal 16th place out of 27 EU countries.

"Housing costs eat away at families’ incomes and have a knock-on effect on children’s lives — limiting access to social activities, sports, warm homes and nutritious meals.

"Until the Government tackles spiralling costs and supply shortages, living standards will continue to slip for more families.”

The report comes during End Child Poverty Week, when the Alliance is calling for a dedicated Children’s Budget to break the cycle of deprivation.

While recent budgets have introduced universal measures like free school books and hot school meals, Ward said these need to be matched with targeted supports for families in the deepest poverty.

She urged the Government to take immediate action in Budget 2026: “Building affordable housing won’t happen overnight, but investment in measures like Child Support Workers for homeless families can help now.

"One in five children are growing up hiding their lunch box, lying about where they live, or worrying about dinner. That is a call to action the Government cannot ignore.”