Children living in inadequate housing and in more disorderly neighbourhoods have worse health and developmental outcomes than their peers, according to a study by the Economic and Social Research Institute.
Research by the ESRI found that the longer children are exposed to inadequate housing from birth to the age of nine, the more harm they experience.
The data was gathered five years ago, as part of the Growing up in Ireland study when the children who researchers are monitoring were aged nine.
75% of the children lived in owner-occupied housing, 12% in social housing and 11% in the private rented sector.
Just over 1% were living with parents or a parent in their grandparents' home.
While the majority of nine-year-olds lived in accommodation that parents thought was suitable to their needs, one in ten lived in unsuitable housing, mainly due to the size of the accommodation.
A similar proportion of children lived in homes that parents could not afford to keep warm, while 19% lived in neighbourhoods that parents felt had higher levels of disorder, such as rubbish and vandalism.
For some children, inadequate housing conditions were a persistent problem throughout their childhood.
Similarly, nine-year-olds who grew up in more disorderly neighbourhoods or in homes that parents felt were not child-friendly had fewer positive interactions with others compared to their peers.
The ESRI found housing conditions are closely linked to families' socio-economic circumstances.
Children with parents out of employment, who have lower incomes, less education, and who live in rented accommodation, are more likely to live in poorer housing conditions.
However, even after taking account of families' circumstances, children in lone-parent households were still more likely to live in private rented and social housing, and to experience heating deprivation and neighbourhood disorder.
It found that close to 30% of children moved house at least once by the time they were nine years old, with 7% moving twice or more. When families did move house, housing conditions were more likely to be better in their new home. However, moves were more common in the private rented sector.
Researchers found "a diverse range of factors" influence house moves among young families.
Moving house was more common among parents who separated but also among parents that formed new relationships. Moves were also more common when household income increased.
Respiratory problems (such as episodes of wheezing) were more common for nine-year-olds who spent longer living in poor housing conditions, such as damp, as well as in homes not adequately heated.
Children who grew up in inadequately heated homes were also more likely to have worse health, as reported by their parents, and experience more accidents or injuries requiring medical treatment.
Childhood accidents were also more prevalent in disorderly neighbourhoods.
The strong link between low income and poorer housing circumstances in the report highlights the importance of broader income and welfare supports, as well as specific housing supports, in alleviating disadvantage according to its authors.
The ESRI points out that this has become particularly relevant in light of rising fuel costs, given the harm that inadequate heating does to child health and development.
The report highlights the need for greater emphasis on inspection and follow-up of standards in the private rented and social housing sector, to address poorer housing conditions.
It also notes that investments to improve the physical and social infrastructure in local communities are likely to pay dividends for the youngest members of society.
Lead author of the report in the ESRI, James Laurence said the report shows that current housing policy needs to focus as much attention on housing quality and adequacy as supply and affordability, for the wellbeing of children and families.
Minister for the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Roderic O’Gorman described the report as "an important reminder" that housing or accommodation for children is more than a place of shelter but a home that is essential to their well-being and that of their family.
"Officials in my department are currently progressing the development of a new strand of funding to tackle disadvantage in early learning and care services - whereby, services will be provided with a proportionate mix of universal and targeted supports for children and families accessing their services who are experiencing disadvantage," he said.
