The director of operations at the Irish Blood Transfusion Service has said supplies of several major blood groups are at just three days and under.
Paul McKinney said there were generally seven days' supply of O positive, O negative and A positive blood, but there is currently a shortage.
Mr McKinney said supplies are generally low during the summer as haemoglobin levels are low and people are travelling.
However, he said there had been a 6% drop in clinic attendance over the past few weeks.
Mr McKinney added that over 1,500 additional donations will be needed over the next few weeks to ensure supply to the hospitals.
He appealed for anyone who can to donate, and said that details of eligibility can be found at giveblood.ie.
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