Disability activists brave storm to demand Emergency Winter Payment

Braving high winds, disability activists, family carers, and allies gathered outside Leinster House to call for an emergency €400 winter payment and the restoration of targeted energy credits for people most at risk of energy poverty. They warned that the removal of these supports has left many disabled people struggling to heat their homes.

Despite the high winds, the demonstration, organised by the Irish Wheelchair Association, IWA, DFI and Access for All went ahead with urgent resolve to call for an immediate Emergency Winter Payment.

“Libraries are becoming shelters”

The crowd heard confronting testimony about the reality facing disabled people this winter. Some individuals are now travelling to public libraries simply to stay warm during the day, unable to afford the cost of heating their own homes. Activist Michael Meere said he has to decide whether to sit in the cold with one bar on his electric heater, or switch on the second bar and face energy costs he simply can’t manage. The choices are this stark.

Michael Meere, disability activist

Bernard Mulvany of Access for All opened the demonstration by rallying the crowd. “We refuse to accept a society where disabled people are second-class citizens,” he said. “The storm outside is nothing compared to the storm facing our families this winter.”

Bernard Mulvany, Access for All

Voices from the frontline

Advocacy Manager from the Irish Wheelchair Association, IWA Joan Carthy and activist Michael Meere highlighted the systemic failure of the Budget, with Meere speaking passionately about the impossible choices facing his peers.

Joan Carthy, Advocacy Manager IWA

They were joined by activists Gary Kearney and Carolyn Akintola, who delivered powerful speeches on the daily reality of managing disability-related costs without adequate state support. Both emphasised that the "Cost of Disability" is not an abstract concept, but a daily bill that must be paid, often at the expense of food or heat.

Top: Carolyn Akintola. Bottom: Gary Kearney

The protest also saw significant contributions from younger activists, who reminded the Government that this is a fight for their future. Cara Darmody, a seasoned campaigner known for her advocacy on assessment of needs, spoke with characteristic determination, while Kayleigh McKivette underlined that our demands represesent the bare minimum.

"We’re not looking for extra luxuries, we’re just looking to live adequate lives. Without the stress of wondering, should I pay a bill this week or should I go shopping”, she said.

Top: Cara Dermody. Bottom: Kayleigh McKivette

Family carers also delivered crucial testimony. One carer underscored that the crisis is not only personal but deeply familial, describing how the removal of supports has pushed households to the brink, without reinstated payments, many simply will not cope this winter.

Political support

The protest was addressed by opposition TDs supporting the call for the Emergency Winter Payment:

• Paul Murphy TD, People Before Profit condemned the removal of payments as "cruel."

• Liam Quaide TD, Social Democrats criticised the state's failure to recognise the true Cost of Disability.

• Maurice Quinlivan TD, Sinn Féin / Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters, reinforced that the government must act immediately.

Left to right: Paul Murphy TD, People Before Profit, Maurice Quinlivan TD, Sinn Féin / Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters and Liam Quaide TD, Social Democrats

"We will not be ignored" was the rallying cry that concluded the protest. The coalition will be following up with the Goverment to demand a response. We will share any progress or responses. 

📷 Photos by Paula Geraghty.