Over 200 organ transplants took place in 2025

The HSE have confirmed 202 organ transplants have taken place in 2025.

This was a drop on the 263 in 2024

The HSE’s Organ Donation Transplant Ireland Office (ODTI) said this was from 68 deceased and 29 living organ donors and their families.

Across the three national transplant centres, 136 kidney, seven heart, 16 lung, 28 liver and five pancreas transplants were completed.

This includes kidney transplants from 29 living donors.

The 173 transplants from deceased organ donation are also a drop from the 233 in 2024.

The average donor age in Ireland is in the 40s, which is much younger than in countries where organ donation and transplant rates are higher.

There are almost 700 people currently active on the waiting lists for organ transplants, 540 or almost 80% of these requiring a kidney transplant at the end of 2024.

The Irish Kidney Association says the 540 accounts for approximately 20 per cent of the total number of patients currently on kidney dialysis.

The HSE said that it is still possible to be an organ donor well into your 60s and indeed 70s.

Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said: "This year marked a significant moment for our organ donation and transplantation services with the introduction of a soft opt-out system.

"I thank all donors and their families for their enormous act of kindness to transplant recipients, as well as to society. I encourage everyone to have the conversation with family, your discussion and your decision can make a life-changing difference to others.

"I also want to thank the transplant centres, organ donation nurse managers, ICU staff, Organ Donation Transplant Ireland and all those who work in our services and raise awareness around organ donation.

"Together we can continue to advance towards ensuring the best outcome and care for the patients waiting for the life-changing gift of an organ transplant."