Ireland's homeless and drug crisis is worsening and these issues are not just confined to Dublin, Merchant's Quay Ireland (MQI) has warned.

The charity, which works with homeless people and drug users, said that while there is much talk about an improving economic situation, ‘these improvements have not filtered down to those most in need'.

"In fact conversely, as the economy recovers, it has placed increased pressure on the over-priced rental market and is trapping more and more people in homelessness," insisted MQI chief executive, Tony Geoghegan.

He said that up to 150 people are sleeping rough on the streets of Dublin every night and according to the MQI Annual Review 2013, the charity's homeless food service provided over 85,000 meals last year, an increase of 11% when compared to 2012.

Meanwhile, the MQI's needle exchange service for drug users in Dublin recorded more than 25,000 client visits, an increase of 16% compared to 2012. Over 600 new clients accessed the service last year, an increase of 10% on 2012's figure.

However the charity warned that drug use also continues to grow outside of Dublin. The 2013 review revealed that the charity's Midlands Harm Reduction Outreach Service had 3,264 visits last year, a jump of 34% when compared to 2012.

The review also noted that across the charity's residential facilities, more people from outside of Dublin were accessing these services. For example, over half of admissions to its St Francis Farm Detox Unit were from outside of Dublin.

"With the budget due soon, we call on the Government to honour its commitment to social justice and ensure that the benefits of the recovery are targeted to protect the most vulnerable men and women in Ireland," Mr Geoghegan said.