People with disabilities to march on Government buildings tomorrow

A Disability Coalition, led by Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA), Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI) and Access for All, alongside the Affordable Ireland Campaign, will hold a national protest in Dublin tomorrow, Saturday, February 28, calling on the government to immediately introduce a €400 emergency disability payment.

The coalition highlights that Budget 2026 delivered a devastating blow for people with disabilities by leaving them up to €1,400 worse off following the removal of vital support payments.

These cuts have left people in the shocking position of choosing between eating or heating their homes. They are urging that a €400 emergency disability payment is critical now.

Whilst the government has acknowledged that there is a need for a permanent cost of disability payment in the future, the coalition highlights that people are suffering today and delaying action is pushing people further into hardship.

Joan Carthy, National Advocacy Manager with Irish Wheelchair Association, said: “The government took vital payment supports away before having a permanent solution in place.

“The Disability Support Grant of €400, gone, Electricity credits of €250, gone, the list goes on.

“This is on top of a long list of cuts that successive governments have made, [PK1] like the mobility allowance and transport grant, which were cut and never reinstated.

“What will be next? The impact has been devastating on people and their families.

“An emergency €400 payment is critical and urgent; people cannot heat their homes with promises.”

John Morgan, IWA member, from Dundalk backed up the call for the emergency disability payment, stating: “I can only afford to put the heat on twice a day.

“I put it on from 4 to 5 pm because 5 to 7 pm is the dearest time to put on electricity, and then I put it on from 7 to 9 pm.

“I go to bed at about 8 pm just to keep myself warm.

“I sometimes have to put a hot water bottle on my foot just to keep my foot circulation going.

“I think it is very important that the €400 emergency payment should be given.

“For me, it is the difference between living and surviving.”

The protest will begin at 1pm at the Garden of Remembrance before marching to the Custom House, where people with disabilities will outline the reality of rising energy bills, reduced supports and escalating living costs.

The Coalition says this protest sends a clear message: future promises do not pay today’s bills. Heat or Eat, people with disabilities deserve both.

Supporters can join the protest or contact their local TD through www.iwa.ie