The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) is urgently looking for regular donors to give blood, especially donors with the blood group O-, A- and B-.
It said a recent request for more donations is not yielding enough donations to sustain the blood supply over the Christmas period.
"High levels of Covid-19 in the population is impacting on donor availability, resulting in high numbers of cancellations and the IBTS is urgently asking healthy donors to respond when they receive a text from us," said Barry Doyle, Acting Operations Director.
Extra clinics have been arranged over the Christmas/New Year period on Sunday 19 December, Friday 24 and Friday 31 December.
The IBTS is also arranging clinics on the public holidays – Tuesday 28 December and Monday 3 January.
"A pre-amber alert has been issued in line with the national blood shortage plan, which requests conservative use of blood, and donations are needed to avoid the cancellation of elective surgeries requiring blood support," Mr Doyle said.
"Donor appointments are booked entirely on the phone with donors being pre-screened before an appointment is made for them to attend the donation clinic, to ensure the safety of our donors and staff.
"We are asking our regular donors to book an appointment when they receive a text from us, especially the O-, A- and B- donors."
Further clinic information can also be found on the giveblood.ie website.
