The Irish Blood Transfusion Service are warning that the country's blood stocks are critically low and say now is the time for anyone who has ever thought about donating blood to come forward.
Recent high levels of respiratory illness and consistently strong demand for blood at hospitals has resulted in blood stocks dwindling from seven days supply to just three.
The situation has led to a nationwide appeal for new and current donors to contact the Irish Blood Transfusion Service.
A donation clinic is being held at the Midleton Park Hotel today and tomorrow, while the clinic at St Finbarr's Hospital is open every week from Monday to Thursday.
Speaking to RedFM News, Julianne Kelly from the IBTS in Cork says it's a worrying time.
"The support of our regular donors has been superb over the last few months and years now, and particularly during COVID times, but we are in a position now where we do need to start recruiting new donors again.
"So we're asking anybody that you know, that is within the age category that's feeling well, that they would come forward and register their interest on our website, or to give us a call.
"We're calling for donors for all blood types, both positive and negative blood groups rate across all of the blood groups, no matter what blood group you may have, they are all needed by our hospitals."
The Irish Blood Transfusion service can be reached on 1800 731 137
