Hundreds of People with Disabilities March Calling for Emergency €400 Payment

People with disabilities and their supporters marched on Government Buildings today (Saturday, 28 February), calling on the Government to introduce an immediate €400 emergency disability payment to address rising living costs against the loss of key financial supports taken away in Budget 2026.

The national protest, organised by a Disability Coalition led by Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA), Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI) and Access for All alongside the Affordable Ireland Campaign, began at the Garden of Remembrance before proceeding to the Custom House.

Protesters said Budget 2026 left many people with disabilities up to €1,400 worse off following the removal of vital support payments, forcing some into the stark choice between heating their homes and putting food on the table.

The coalition said that while the Government has recognised the need for a permanent Cost of Disability payment in the future, people are experiencing financial hardship now and require immediate support. Joan Carthy, National Advocacy Manager with Irish Wheelchair Association, said:”The Government removed vital supports before putting a permanent solution in place. The €400 Disability Support Grant is gone. €250 electricity credits are gone. This comes on top of a long list of supports, such as the mobility allowance and transport grant, that were cut and never reinstated. The impact on people and families has been devastating. An emergency €400 payment is critical and urgent — people cannot heat their homes with promises.”

Damien O’Reilly, disability activist, attending the event, stated:  “I have to charge my chair overnight and the overhead hoist. I have to cut down on what I eat to pay the bills. This payment is an emergency.” Damien also shared how he is reduced to one meal a day in order to keep his bills at an affordable level.

The coalition said today’s demonstration sends a clear message that future commitments cannot replace immediate action, adding that people with disabilities deserve both warmth and food, not a choice between the two.

Several media outlets covered the protest, here’s coverage courtesty of Virgin Media TV News.

Supporters can contact their local TD through www.iwa.ie.