Immediate 'emergency payment' as Longford disabled campaigners to protest in Dublin
This follows 'cut-offs' to one off supports in Budget 2026, with many disabled people said to be suffering from this
Disability campaigners from Longford are set to descend on Dublin on Saturday, February 28, joining a majornational protest to demand an Emergency Winter Payment for people with disabilities.
The protest, organised by a coalition including the Disability Federation of Ireland, Irish Wheelchair Association, and Access for All, comes after the Taoiseach formally refused calls for a €400 emergency payment to help vulnerable households through the winter.
Following cuts to "one-off" supports in Budget 2026, many disabled households in Longford are now up to €1,400 worse off than they were last year.
James Cawley, a disabiled activist from Longford says the situation is becoming desperate.
"Disabled people have been told to wait till 2027 but lots of disabled people can't wait in the cold.
It's widely known that there is an additional cost to disability so that's why we're calling on an immediate €400 emergency payment."
A National Crisis
The coalition warns that the removal of supports like the Disability Support Grant and energy credits has created a dangerous financial gap. While the government has promised a permanent solution in 2027, campaigners argue that people cannot wait two years to heat their homes.
March Details
Campaigners from Longford will join others at the Garden of Remembrance, Dublin, at 1pm on Saturday, February 28, before marching to the Custom House.
Longford residents are urged to support the campaign by contacting their local TDs and joining the march.