Organ Donor Awareness – It’s Not Enough

For Immediate Release

When Will the Organ Donation and Transplantation System in Ireland Meet Demand?

Dublin, Ireland – The Irish Lung Fibrosis Association (ILFA) recognises Organ Donation Awareness Week 2026 and the importance of organ donors and their families who make transplantation possible in Ireland.

At the heart of Ireland’s organ donation and transplant system are the donors and families who choose to give life to others, often in the most difficult of circumstances.

Organ donation is an immeasurable act of generosity, and it is deeply disappointing and concerning that despite the enactment of the Human Tissue Bill one year ago, transplantation remains below the European Union average and substantially below leading countries such as Spain. Lung transplantations, in particular, never recovered from their initial 58% decline during Covid-19. A situation that is having devastating consequences for patients living with advanced lung disease.

Between 2016 and 2020 Ireland performed, on average, 31 lung transplants per year. The highest number, 38, was performed 2019 when Ireland was one of the leading transplant countries per capita. In 2020 that number dropped to just 16 and except for a temporary increase in 2023 with 19 transplants performed, Ireland has inexplicably remained one of the worst performing countries with just 13 lung transplants in 2024 and 15 in 2025.

For many people with lung fibrosis and other life limiting conditions, transplantation is a life-saving intervention. Yet year after year, patients and their families are forced to endure prolonged waiting times, uncertainty, and in too many cases, the tragic reality that a suitable transplant does not arrive in time.

ILFA acknowledges the dedication and commitment of clinical teams working within the transplant system. However, the persistently low lung transplant numbers highlight systemic issues that must be urgently addressed, including donor availability, capacity constraints, and long-standing resource challenges within Ireland’s transplant infrastructure.

“Every delayed or missed transplant represents a life,” ILFA’s CEO, Maureen O’Donnell said. “Behind these numbers are real people who are running out of time. Patients with lung fibrosis often deteriorate rapidly, and without timely access to transplantation, their options become heartbreakingly limited.”

ILFA is calling on Government, the HSE, and all relevant stakeholders to prioritise lung transplantation as a matter of urgency. This includes sustained investment in transplant services, ongoing donor awareness campaigns, and transparent reporting and accountability around transplant activity and targets.

“It was encouraging to see the progress made in increasing organ donor awareness through the implementation of the Human Tissue Act last year. It’s a good start but there are approximately 600 people awaiting organ transplant, that’s far too many. Donors provide a life-saving gift under unbelievably difficult circumstances. We owe an enormous debt to them and to their families.  We must not waste their gift. Ireland has the expertise and the compassion to do better” O’Donnell said. “What is needed now is decisive action to ensure that patients who are suitable for transplantation are given a fair and timely chance at survival.”

ILFA remains committed to advocating on behalf of patients and families affected by lung fibrosis and will continue to work constructively with policymakers and healthcare leaders to push for meaningful change.

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Media Contact:
Maureen O’Donnell: maureen@ilfa.ie 

About ILFA
The Irish Lung Fibrosis Association supports patients and families affected by lung fibrosis through advocacy, education, and support, while campaigning for improved diagnosis, treatment, and access to life-saving services such as lung transplantation.