THE national blood supply has plummeted across Ireland due to “exceptionally high demand” for donations over the last year.
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service said that severe weather conditions like Storm Eowyn combined with high levels of respiratory illnesses have led to a significant reduction in blood donations.
The service has urged the public to give blood over the next few days as fears grow over scarce stocks, with just a few days supply left in most blood groups.
Paul McKinney, IBTS’ Director of Donor Services and Logistics, explained: “In order to avoid putting further pressure on our hospital system, we need over 12,000 donations in the coming days and weeks, to restore the blood supply, and safely support our health service.
“In 2024, the IBTS issued the highest number of blood donation units to Irish hospitals in over a decade, at just under 128,500 units.
“This exceptionally high demand has continued unabated into 2025.”
New donors, younger donors and donors of all ethnicities have all be urged to come forward and donate blood in the coming days.
McKinney said: “We are asking people who might never have given blood before, or it’s been a while, to make it their goal to give blood, and the priceless gift of life, to those in our communities and hospitals who need it.”
The service has urged the public to give blood at the 12 clinics open across Ireland this week.
Giveblood.ie said online: “Following the impact of Storm Eowyn, IBTS has issued an urgent appeal for blood donations with supplies very low.
“We need this week’s clinics to be filled to avoid an impact on our hospitals!”
The clinics listed below will be running between January 27 and February 2:
- Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan
- Bantry, Co Cork
- Duleek, Co Meath
- Kilrush, Co Clare
- Kingscourt, Co Cavan
- Listowel, Co Kerry
- Malahide, Co Dublin
- Portlaoise, Co Laois
- Rathkeale, Co Limerick
- Skibbereen, Co Cork
- Swords, Co Dublin
- Westport, Co Mayo
Stillorgan, Dublin; D’Olier Street, Dublin; and St Finbarr’s, Cork will continue to see weekly clinics operating.
The IBTS added: “IBTS has issued an urgent appeal, in the wake of Storm Eowyn, for blood donations, with supplies very low.
“Between the severe weather, high demand, and illness in our communities, we need over 12,000 donations in the coming days and weeks, including pre bank holiday.
“Be a life saver and give blood at one of our blood donation clinics this week.
“Existing donors can book an appointment online and all possible donors can call 1800 731 137 to find available appointments.”
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW BEFORE DONATING?
HERE’S everything you need to know about giving blood:
- Check your likely eligibility by taking the short new donor eligibility quiz
- There is also a lot more information about eligibility in the FAQ section on the IBTS wesbite, or you can call 1800 731 137 if you want to talk to someone and ask further questions
- If eligible now (or in the future after any advised waiting period) an appointment will be arranged to give blood or a sample
- If for your first donation, you are only able to give a sample (as is often the case), you only need to wait 42 days to be able to give full donations – and then every 90 days between donations!
- If for any reason you are unable to give blood, please encourage your friends and family to become blood donors
Those interested in donating blood have been urged to check their eligibility before attending a clinic.
The IBTS has confirmed that Ireland needs more donors from all backgrounds to meet the needs of “all our patients” in hospitals.
It said: “Increasingly more people of diverse backgrounds are now eligible to give blood in Ireland including many of whom were previously unable, including donors of African heritage.
“The recent introduction of malarial testing for blood donation samples means we can now take blood from a far more diverse range of donors than previously.
“Many potential donors who were not eligible previously, including people born or who resided in a malarial area for a longer period of time, may now be able to give blood, subject to other normal criteria.”
