202 Life-Saving Organ Transplants Completed in Ireland in 2025

The HSE's Organ Donation Transplant Ireland Office reports that 202 organ transplants took place in 2025, made possible by 68 deceased donors, 29 living donors, and their families. Health officials are encouraging everyone to discuss organ donation wishes with loved ones as the year draws to a close.

The transplants completed across Ireland's three national transplant centres included 140 kidney, 9 heart, 15 lung, 33 liver and 5 pancreas procedures. The kidney transplant total includes donations from the 29 living donors.

Martina Goggin, who lost her son Éamonn (26) in a road crash in 2006, spoke about the comfort organ donation provided her family:

"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. 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."

Dr Catherine Motherway, speaking on behalf of ODTI, thanked donors and their families:

"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."

This year saw the introduction of The Human Tissue Act Part 2, which established a soft opt-out system of consent for organ donation, bringing Ireland in line with international best practice. Dr Motherway emphasised that consent remains the defining principle, and the choice to be an organ donor is still the individual's decision.

The number of organ donors in 2025 was lower than previous years, though this was not due to people choosing not to donate. None of the potential organ donors this year had registered on the opt-out register.

Some donated organs without suitable matches in Ireland are offered to other countries where recipients can benefit, in a reciprocal arrangement. Irish patients also receive organs from donors outside the country, particularly from the United Kingdom where paediatric patients have their transplant operations.

Dr Colm Henry, HSE Chief Clinical Officer, expressed gratitude to donors and their families:

"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."

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD highlighted the significance of the soft opt-out system introduction:

"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."

The HSE notes that the average donor age in Ireland is in the 40s, younger than in countries with higher donation rates. Officials emphasise that organ donation remains possible well into the 60s and 70s.

More information is available at www.hse.ie/organdonation.