Family carers across Louth are being urged to make their voices heard at a special public meeting ahead of Budget 2027.

Organised by Family Carers Ireland, the meeting takes place at the Fairways Hotel, Dublin Road, Dundalk next Tuesday, September 8 at 11am.

The meeting is part of a nationwide series of events giving family carers the opportunity to discuss the challenges they face and the support they need with their local TDs and senators.

With Budget 2027 approaching, family carers are calling for action on the issues that affect their daily lives, including financial pressures, limited access to respite and the impact of caring on their health and wellbeing. They will also discuss future care planning and supported decision-making, calling for a shift away from the current crisis-driven approach towards a more proactive, planned, coordinated and person-centred system that better supports families and the people they care for.

The meeting comes as Family Carers Ireland’s latest State of Caring report highlights the pressures facing people caring for loved ones at home. Among those surveyed, 71pc struggle to make ends meet, 75pc have never accessed respite and almost half experience severe loneliness.

Issues expected to be raised include the abolition of the Carer’s Allowance means test, an increase in weekly carer payments to €325, a higher Carer’s Support Grant and improved access to regular, appropriate respite.

“Family carers across Louth are supporting loved ones through illness, disability, and additional needs, often with very little support themselves, “ Louise Cosgrove, Carer Support Manager for Louth, said. “This town hall is a unique opportunity for elected representatives to meet family carers in their constituency and hear about the realities of caring and the changes needed to better support them and their families.

“Decisions made in Budget 2027 will directly affect families in this community, many of whom are already struggling without adequate financial support or even the chance to take a break. Family carers deserve to be heard by the people elected to represent them, and we are calling on local TDs and senators to attend, listen, and stand up for the changes carers need.”

Family carers can register to attend at www.familycarers.ie.