The Irish Blood Transfusion Service says it's putting on extra clinics in the run up to Christmas in an effort to deal with diminishing blood supplies.
The IBTS is urging people to give blood as it expects 14,000 blood donations will be needed in hospitals during Christmas and the New Year.
Additional clinics will be in operation around the country on December 22nd, 29th and January 5th - a full list is available on the website giveblood.ie
Director of Operations at the IBTS, Paddy Bowler, says new EU rules on iron levels is also putting a strain on the blood supply:
