Cavan songwriter Lisa O’Neill has released the single ‘Homeless In The Thousands (Dublin in the Digital Age)’ featuring Peter Doherty.

O’Neill had previously joined The Libertines onstage at Dublin’s 3Olympia last September for a glowing rendition of ‘Night Of The Hunter’.

A protest song against Dublin’s housing crisis and the government’s inaction towards the issue, the track was first performed on The Tommy Tiernan Show on January 18.

Check out Johnie Lyons directed music video below:

Speaking of her inspiration behind the track, O’Neill explains: “We write what we see. I have lived in Dublin City for 24 years . As winter 2024 approached, this is the song that came to me. And here are some thoughts on why I’ve chosen to put it out at the start of this new year. [...]

“January 2025, and Ireland has a housing crisis that is off the charts. It is 109 years since Padraig Pearce stood outside the GPO on Dublin’s O’Connell Street and read The Proclamation of the Irish Republic.

“Outside that same GPO today you will find several charities operating soup kitchens to help feed those in need. To name a few The Muslim Sisters of Eire, Hope in the Darkness Soup Run and Dublin Herb Bike - all of whom have been providing hot and nourishing meals, sleeping bags, care, attention and hope to people that need their services. These charities, amongst many others, have been operating for at least a decade…”

O’Neill also criticises the recently drafted soup kitchen bylaws, which will be drafted by Dublin City Council this month, aim to prohibit “well-meaning” volunteer groups providing on-street food and personal services to Dublin’s homeless population queuing on the city’s streets.

Speaking of the bylaws, she says the government’s effort “will hide the harsh reality of homelessness from the eyes of society, but that the problem will not go away by unseeing.”

Collaborators for ‘Homeless In The Thousands (Dublin in the Digital Age)’ include Peter Doherty for vocals and lyrical contribution, Brian Leach on Hammered Dulcimer and Banjo, Joseph Doyle on Double Bass, Colm Mac Con Iomaire on Violin, Cormac Begley on Concertinas and David Odlum for production and mixing.