The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) is calling for more donors to come forward today, as the organisation sees a shortfall in supplies.

Currently, the IBTS has only enough supplies for about five days.

Additional blood donation clinics are taking place today Westmeath, Cavan, Tipperary, Kildare and Cork.

Full details of clinics can be found on the IBTS website.

Operations Director Paddy Bowler says there are a number of reasons behind the current drop in supplies, including higher than expected hospital demand and a drop in attendance of clinics due to bad weather & flooding. 

The organisation is calling on donors to make a special effort to attend clinics over the coming days and weeks, and to bring a new donor wherever possible.