Concern welcomes increase in official development funding

Press release7 October 2025

Budget 2026 announced by the Irish government today included an allocation of €840 million for ODA, compared to €810 million for 2025.

Concern Worldwide warmly welcomes the increased funding allocation in Budget 2026 for official development assistance (ODA), announced today.

“Coming at a time when other countries are slashing their aid budgets, and support for some of the world’s poorest people is being cut, today’s announcement is a beacon of light in the midst of a very dark storm,” Concern Worldwide CEO Dominic Crowley said.

“By continuing its commitment to stand by the world’s poorest people, Ireland is leading by example, especially within the EU, championing increased investment and highlighting their on-going commitment to provide support to those living in conditions of greatest poverty and vulnerability,” he added.

Today’s Budget included an allocation of €840 million for ODA, compared to €810 million for 2025.

Extreme poverty

Currently, 700 million people worldwide live in extreme poverty - 40 per cent of whom are living in conflict-affected or fragile settings. This is on track to worsen, with predictions of this number increasing to 60 per cent by 2030.

Last year, working in partnership with Concern, the Irish government through Irish Aid, reached two million people in 21 countries.

“The sustained focus of the Irish government’s funding on those in greatest need is more essential now than ever before, and their on-going support to the work of Concern and other non government organisations ensures that the ODA budget is used very effectively,” Mr Crowley said.

For media queries contact Eamon Timmins, Media Relations Manager, Concern Worldwide, at eamon.timmins@concern.net or 087 9880524