The homeless and addiction crisis in Ireland is worsening "by every measure", Merchants Quay Ireland (MQI) has said.

The national charity has published its 2018 Annual Review, which shows that demand for its services is increasing.

According to the review, 11,301 people accessed the charity's services last year, an increase of 9% on 2017's figure. Furthermore, over 2,000 people used MQI's emergency shelter last year, an increase of 11% on the previous year.

There was also increased demand for the charity's health, harm reduction, and case management services. For example, there were 3,329 visits to the MQI nursing team. That is more than double 2017's number.

Meanwhile, MQI's Riverbank Centre, which provides meal, primary health, and drug-related services seven days a week in Dublin city, provided 102,658 meals to people last year.

Speaking at the launch of the review, MQI chief executive, Paula Byrne, said that homelessness and addiction are "increasingly being seen as normal on Irish streets".

"In the last two weeks, several lives have been lost on our streets. It is not enough to call it a tragedy and move on. In 2018, a record 11,301 people accessed our services, looking for food, shelter, and medical care. By every measure, the crisis is worsening. The evidence is clear - we are losing ground on homelessness.

"Ireland also faces high levels of addiction. We currently have the fourth highest rate of drug-related deaths in Europe, and we are deeply concerned that in the coming years, this figure could increase significantly," she commented.

She emphasised that MQI is often the only door open to people who are vulnerable and marginalised and she said that homelessness "is not just about a roof over your head".

"It is the anxiety, the depression, and the isolation that comes with that. Its effects are profound and long-lasting.

"Ireland is a wealthy country and has the capacity to address the homeless and addiction crisis. Every day at MQI, we see people overcome incredible obstacles and move on to have full and happy lives. It's time for our political system to match that level of courage and determination," Ms Byrne said.

The charity has called for a range of measures to help tackle the homeless and addiction crisis, including:
-More investment in residential and community detox
-Increased supported housing for people who are leaving drug treatment
-Additional support for people leaving care who are at risk of homelessness or addiction
-Increased targeted support for women facing homelessness and addiction
-Continued commitment from the Government for the delivery of a medically supervised injecting facility in Dublin.

Earlier this year, Dublin City Council refused planning permission for such a facility. MQI had sought to run the facility from its building in Dublin's city centre, however the council refused planning permission, due to the lack of a "robust" policing plan and the potential impact it could have on the local economy, particularly in relation to tourism.

The facility would have been able to accommodate up to 100 drug users per day. MQI is appealing this decision.

For more information on MQI, click here.