A coalition of disability organisations has staged a public demonstration outside the Dáil, calling for urgent Government action to support people with disabilities who are struggling with rising living costs this winter.
The protest, involving members of the Irish Wheelchair Association, the Disability Federation of Ireland and Access for All, demanded the introduction of an emergency winter payment for people with disabilities. Campaigners say many disabled people in Louth and across the country are being forced to choose between heating their homes and putting food on the table.
Joan Carthy, National Advocacy Manager with the Irish Wheelchair Association, said the situation has become increasingly severe following Budget 2026, which did not deliver a permanent Cost of Disability Payment. She said the removal of once off supports that had been in place for the past three years has left many people facing significant financial hardship.
According to the disability coalition, people with disabilities will be up to €1,400 worse off in 2026 compared to last year due to the loss of these supports. With winter weather becoming more unpredictable and energy costs remaining high, campaigners say an emergency one off winter payment would provide vital relief during the coldest months.
Irish Wheelchair Association staff in Louth report that many members are struggling to cover electricity bills due to the additional energy required to power essential medical equipment such as powerchairs and hoists. As a result, people are cutting back on heating or food to manage costs. For wheelchair users and those with limited mobility, this is particularly challenging, as they often require additional heat to stay warm at home.
Accessibility issues in towns and villages also mean many disabled people spend more time indoors, further increasing energy costs. Staff say they regularly visit members who are living in cold homes despite the health risks involved.
Research highlights the scale of the issue. A 2025 ESRI report found that people with disabilities face extra living costs averaging between €488 and €555 per week. CSO figures from 2024 show that consistent poverty rates among people with disabilities stand at 19 per cent, almost four times the national average.
The Irish Wheelchair Association is calling on the Government to introduce a €400 emergency winter payment to replace the disability support grant removed in the last budget and to reinstate targeted energy credits for those at risk of energy poverty.
People in Louth are being encouraged to contact their local TDs to support the campaign. More information is available at www.iwa.ie/post-budget-2026.
