National Protest on 28 February 2026 – Update from Disability Federation Ireland (DFI), of which MDI is a Member Organisation

MDI wishes to share a message from Disability Federation Ireland (DFI) with you. (MDI is a member organisation of DFI).

Dear friends and colleagues,

Since Budget 2026, our coalition, DFI, Irish Wheelchair Association, IWA, and Access for All, has campaigned for a €400 Emergency Winter Payment to replace targeted financial supports stopped in Budget 2026. These were measures provided by government over three consecutive budgets from 2023-2025 and their loss is having a major impact this year.
We warned Government of this impact, with people living in freezing homes, and debt rising, with arrears felt long past the winter months.
The government has chosen to ignore those warnings, citing "fiscal sustainability" while sitting on a record surplus.
That’s why we’re asking you to save the date for a major national protest led by the Disability Federation of Ireland, IWA, and Access for All.

Date: Saturday, 28 February
Time: Assembly at 12:30 PM
Start: Garden of Remembrance, Dublin
End: The Customs House

Why we’re marching
We are marching because thousands of people with disabilities are currently up to €1,400 worse off following Budget 2026. People deserve more than being forced to choose between heating their homes and eating a meal.

Please mark your calendars and bring your banners. We need disabled people, families, allies and anyone interested in equality to make our voices heard.

More information on DFI website here.

All the very best
Emer Begley, Director of Advocacy, Disability Federation of Ireland