Concern Worldwide welcomes increase in official development funding

“Over the last two years, we have seen first-hand the impact of international aid cuts on the communities we work with,” Concern Chief Executive Officer, Dominic Crowley, said. “The humanitarian system is failing to meet the acute basic needs of millions of people living with the consequences of conflicts they did not create and of climate disasters they did not contribute to.” 

The number of people in need of humanitarian assistance has continued to grow throughout the year, even as the resources available to respond have been severely constrained. The updated 2026 Global Humanitarian Overview now estimates that more than 257 million people need humanitarian assistance worldwide. Yet, to date, just 41% of the €35 billion required to meet these needs has been funded.  

“What this means in practice is that millions of people worldwide who depend on aid are being excluded from response planning, while countless others are not being counted at all,” he said. 

“At a time when many donor countries are cutting their aid budgets, Ireland’s continued commitment to a strongly values-based approach to international development is particularly important. Today’s Budget recognises the vital role of ODA in supporting people facing acute need, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected states. 

“Ireland’s continued support for ODA, and its leadership in tackling extreme poverty and responding to and preventing humanitarian need, is valued both at home and around the world. We do not take this commitment for granted, and neither does the Irish public, with polls showing that 74% of people believe it is important that the Irish Government continues to provide principled ODA.” 

Budget 2027 provides a €14 million increase in ODA compared with the allocation announced on Budget Day last year. 

Last year, with the support of the Irish Government through Irish Aid, Concern Worldwide reached more than three million people across 22 countries. 

 For media queries contact Sadhbh Goodhue, Director of Communications, Concern Worldwide, at sadhbh.goodhue@concern.net or 087 629 2716