202 organ transplants as a result of organ donations in Ireland in 2025

The HSE’s Organ Donation Transplant Ireland Office (ODTI) reports that 202 organ transplants took place in 2025, thanks to the selflessness of 68 deceased and 29 living organ donors and their families. 

HSE’s ODTI encourages everyone to talk to loved ones about organ donation to make your intentions known. As we celebrate the lives saved by transplants this year, we also remember that most organ donations can only proceed when another person donates after their death.

Martina Goggin, who lost her only son Éamonn (26) in 2006, said: ‘‘The benefits of organ donation to the donor family cannot be over emphasised. When our son died following a road crash, my husband and I would have been devastated if we had not been given the opportunity of donating his organs. I feel it is so important that every person who wishes to, is offered the possibility of becoming an organ donor, and the change in legislation will, hopefully, ensure this happens. The comfort and consolation to us in knowing our son, Éamonn, made the noblest act of generosity by giving the gift of life to others is like a light that has continued to shine even on the darkest days.’’

On behalf of ODTI, Dr Catherine Motherway, thanked the donors and their families. She said: ‘‘Organ donation is an incredible gift and has a life transforming impact on the organ recipients. For many patients, the offer of an organ may be life-saving.

“It is important to emphasise that it is still really important for you to let others know your wishes in relation to organ donation, in the event of your untimely death. Your family or significant other will ensure we honour your wishes and your values in life. The law also makes it possible for people to make a living donation of a kidney to someone who they don’t know personally

“This year The Human Tissue Act Part 2 introduced a soft opt-out system of consent for organ donation which brings Ireland in line with international best practice. Most importantly, the defining principle of the new law is consent; it is still your choice whether you want to be an organ donor.’’

Number of organ donations and transplants in 2025 (YTD)

Across the three national transplant centres, 136 kidney, 7 heart, 16 lung, 28 liver and 5 pancreas transplants were completed.  This includes kidney transplants from 29 living donors.

Some donated organs do not have a suitable match in Ireland. In the spirit of ensuring that the donor’s wishes are honoured and the gift of life is passed on, whenever possible these donated organs are offered to other countries where a suitable recipient benefits. This is a reciprocal arrangement, and Irish patients receive organs from donors outside this country, particularly the United Kingdom where our paediatric patients have their transplant operations. It is especially important for donors and their families that their offer can be accepted, and another family and patient receive a life enhancing or lifesaving transplant.

2025 (up to Monday, 29 December 2025)

Number of Deceased Donors: 68

Number of Living Donors: 29

Total: 97

Total transplants from organ donors in Ireland 2025

Kidney: 140

Heart: 9

Lung: 15

Liver: 33

Pancreas:

Total: 202

Dr Motherway continued: ‘‘The number of organ donors this year is down on previous years. We know that this is not due to people not choosing to be organ donors. None of the potential organ donors this year had their names on the opt-out register.

“Here our organ donation community includes Intensive Care, Organ Donation Transplant Ireland, our transplant surgeons, physicians and nurses. The benefit to the donor family is without question.  The benefit to the transplant recipient speaks for itself in terms of quality of life and survival. Unfortunately, every year people die while waiting for a transplant. Their loss and the effect on their families is ever-present on the minds of our community. 

“We thank all our donors living and deceased this Christmas season. As the year closes we remember those we have lost. Their memory lives on in their families, but also in those who have received the incredible gift of life. Tá siad go léir in ár gcuid smaointe agus paidreachta.

“Please talk to your family, as we still need your family to let us know you have no objection or indeed support donation of your organs in the event of an untimely death.”

Dr Colm Henry, HSE Chief Clinical Officer added: ‘‘As 2025 comes to a close, I want to express my deepest gratitude to organ donors and their families who, through their extraordinary generosity, gave the precious gift of life this year. Your selfless decision to donate has saved lives and offered hope to others at a time that was very difficult for you. I hope you find comfort in knowing the profound impact your choice had on the lives of transplant recipients.

“I also extend sincere thanks to the many medical, nursing, and HSE staff whose dedication and expertise made these life-saving transplants possible - their expertise ensures that the generosity of families of donors leads to transformation in the lives of transplant recipients and their families.”

Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD 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."

See www.hse.ie/organdonation for more information.