They need 12,000 donations in the coming weeks.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service has appealed to the public to make a special effort to give blood leading up to and over the Christmas and New Year period after Storm Barra resulted in the cancellation of a number of blood donation clinics last week.

“We are arranging extra clinics on Sunday, December 19th, Friday 24th and Friday 31st.” said Barry Doyle, Acting Operations Director.

“We are also arranging clinics on the public holidays the 28th December and Monday January 3rd. These clinics are especially vital for collecting blood for young babies, who can only receive blood which is no more than five days old since collection.

“On any given day 200 patients receive transfusions in Irish hospitals, and the demand for blood, even over Christmas, is constant. We rely on our donors and are urging them to give a priceless gift this Christmas, the gift of life.”

Donor appointments are done entirely on the phone with donors being pre-screened before an appointment is made for them to attend the donation clinic, to avoid unnecessary attendance.

“We are asking donors to help us support the health service by making an appointment when they receive a text from us. Further clinic information also can be found on giveblood.ie,” he added.