The new figures show that the number of homeless increased by 6% in one month alone from 8,587 in December 2017 to 9,104 in January 2018.

A key part of the event is that guests are given a spiritual and a festive welcome.

“The IFA Live Animal Crib is one of the traditions of a Dublin Christmas and reminds us of the simplicity of the Christmas message.” - Dublin Lord Mayor Mícheál Mac Donncha

Appeal on behalf of Limerick's poorest began 33 years ago and more than 6,000 hampers were donated across the city and county last Christmas.