The updated National Development Plan (NDP) has significantly increased the allocation for Ireland’s Department of Children, Disability and Equality, raising the budget to nearly €800 million for the period 2026 to 2030. This marks a substantial rise from the €255 million allocated in the previous plan covering 2021 to 2025.
This enhanced funding will support the expansion of early learning and childcare places, increased services for individuals with complex disabilities, capital investment in Tusla (the Child and Family Agency), and upgrades to community playgrounds.
A key project under the NDP is the advancement of the National Centre for Research and Remembrance. The government has emphasized a cross-departmental strategy to bring about meaningful improvements in disability services.
In line with this approach, other government departments have also received substantial funding boosts to support people with disabilities. The Department of Housing has been allocated record funding to provide accessible housing, the Department of Transport will enhance mobility services, and the Department of Education will continue expanding the special education budget for schools.
