Ireland has announced new humanitarian funding for Ukraine, with three leading Irish NGOs each receiving €1 million to support communities affected by the ongoing conflict. Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora Neale Richmond confirmed that Concern, the Irish Red Cross and Trócaire will receive the funding through Irish Aid to deliver urgent humanitarian assistance across Ukraine.
Representatives of the three organisations met with Minister Richmond to discuss the evolving humanitarian situation and how Ireland can maximise the impact of its support. The funding is aimed at reaching those most in need through trusted partners with strong local connections.
Minister Richmond said Irish Aid is proud to support the vital work of Concern, the Irish Red Cross and Trócaire in Ukraine. He noted that the grants reflect the organisations’ long-standing commitment to the Ukrainian people and their effective local partnerships, adding that the funding will help ensure critical assistance reaches vulnerable communities during a time of acute need.
Concern’s Chief Executive, Dominic Crowley, highlighted the severe challenges facing Ukrainians as widespread damage to energy infrastructure has made this winter particularly harsh. He explained that Concern is supporting vulnerable families through cash assistance delivered via community-based groups, allowing people to address their most urgent needs. The cash grants are primarily being used for heating repairs, winter survival solutions, shelter rehabilitation and the evacuation of vulnerable individuals from frontline areas. Under the new Irish Aid-funded programme, Ukrainian community organisations will also be able to apply for funding to address emerging local needs.
Irish Red Cross Secretary General Deirdre Garvey expressed gratitude for the continued support of the Irish Government, stressing that while humanitarian aid often focuses on physical needs, the psychological toll of war is equally devastating. She said the funding will allow the Irish Red Cross to expand its mental health and psychosocial support programmes, ensuring that psychological recovery remains central to the humanitarian response.
Trócaire CEO Seán Farrell said that with Irish Aid’s support, Trócaire and its local partner Caritas-Spes Ukraine will implement a 12-month, community-led cash and winterisation programme in 2026. The initiative will support vulnerable, displaced and frontline families in Kharkiv and Odesa, helping them meet basic needs and stay warm through another difficult winter.
The €3 million fund will enable Trócaire, Concern and the Irish Red Cross to work closely with Ukrainian organisations and community networks to deliver targeted assistance. This funding forms part of Ireland’s €36 million support package for Ukraine announced by the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste in September 2025.
Since the outbreak of hostilities in 2022, Ireland has provided more than €173 million in humanitarian and stabilisation support for Ukraine, including over €100 million in humanitarian funding channelled through trusted partners such as the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, UN agencies and international NGOs.
